Understanding Digestive Health and the Role of Breath Testing in Accurate Diagnosis

Digestive health plays a far greater role than simply processing food—it is closely linked to immune function, mental wellbeing, and overall health outcomes. When the gut is not functioning optimally, the effects can extend well beyond the digestive system, impacting quality of life and long-term health.

At Diagno, we support clinicians with advanced diagnostic tools that enable accurate, evidence-based assessment of gastrointestinal (GI) conditions, helping move beyond symptom-based treatment toward precise diagnosis.

Why Digestive Health Matters

The digestive system is responsible for breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste. When functioning optimally, it supports multiple critical systems in the body.

A healthy gut contributes to:

• Effective nutrient absorption 

• Immune system regulation 

• Mental wellbeing through the gut-brain axis (British Nutrition Foundation, 2025) 

Maintaining gut health can be supported through:

• Adequate hydration 

• A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables 

• Limiting processed foods and artificial sweeteners (Hirsch, 2020; Department of Health & Human Services, 2023) 

Recognising Signs of Digestive Imbalance

While occasional digestive discomfort is common, persistent symptoms may indicate an underlying condition that requires further investigation.

Common symptoms include:

• Bloating 

• Gas 

• Constipation 

• Diarrhoea (Department of Health & Human Services, 2023) 

These symptoms are often associated with conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), both of which require accurate diagnostic approaches rather than symptom-based assumptions.

What Causes Poor Gut Health?

Digestive imbalance can result from multiple factors, including:

• Poor dietary habits 

• Chronic stress 

• Antibiotic use 

• Underlying medical conditions (Department of Health & Human Services, 2023) 

Identifying the root cause is essential for effective treatment. In many cases, patients are referred for further diagnostic testing when symptoms persist without a clear explanation.

What is Hydrogen and Methane Breath Testing (HMBT)?

Hydrogen and Methane Breath Testing (HMBT) is a non-invasive, evidence-based diagnostic method used to investigate gastrointestinal disorders.

These gases are produced when bacteria in the gut ferment undigested carbohydrates. Elevated levels may indicate conditions such as lactose intolerance, SIBO, and functional gastrointestinal disorders (Rezaie et al., 2017; Nagao-Kitamoto et al., 2016) 

By measuring hydrogen and methane levels, clinicians gain objective insight into gut function—enabling more accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment.

Advanced Breath Testing with the Gastrolyzer® Range

At Diagno, we supply innovative diagnostic solutions such as the Bedfont Gastrolyzer range, designed to support both clinical and remote testing environments.

Key solutions include:

• Bedfont Gastro+ – a portable hydrogen breath analyser for quick, point-of-care testing 

• Bedfont GastroCH₄ECK – a dual hydrogen and methane device enabling immediate, accurate readings 

These tools allow clinicians to perform testing efficiently, either in-practice or remotely, improving accessibility for patients.

How the Test Works

HMBT follows a structured protocol to ensure accurate results:

1. Patients undergo a preparation phase, including fasting 

2. A baseline breath sample is collected 

3. A substrate (such as lactulose or glucose) is administered 

4. Breath samples are collected at intervals over approximately 2–3 hours 

5. Samples are analysed for hydrogen and methane levels (Rezaie et al., 2017) 

With remote testing capabilities, patients can also perform the test at home using guided instructions—enhancing comfort and compliance.

Why Breath Testing is Clinically Valuable

Hydrogen and methane breath testing provides several key advantages:

• Non-invasive and patient-friendly 

• Suitable for both in-clinic and at-home testing 

• Enables targeted, evidence-based treatment 

• Reduces unnecessary dietary restrictions and guesswork 

• Supports accurate diagnosis of conditions such as SIBO (Rezaie et al., 2017) 

By identifying the specific gases produced, clinicians can tailor interventions more effectively—whether through dietary modification, probiotics, or medication.

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Moving Toward Precision Gut Health

A healthy gut is fundamental to overall wellbeing. When symptoms arise, relying solely on assumptions or temporary solutions can delay appropriate treatment.

Objective diagnostic tools such as breath testing are transforming how clinicians approach gastrointestinal health, shifting from symptom management to precision diagnosis and personalised care.

At Diagno, we are committed to supporting healthcare professionals across South Africa with reliable, non-invasive diagnostic technologies that improve patient outcomes and clinical decision-making.

References

Hirsch, A. (2020). The Importance of Digestive Health. Austin Gastroenterology. Available at: https://www.austingastro.com

British Nutrition Foundation. (2025). How Your Gut Affects Your Health. Available at: https://www.nutrition.org.uk

Department of Health & Human Services. (2023). Gut Health. Available at: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

Nagao-Kitamoto, H., Kitamoto, S., Kuffa, P. and Kamada, N. (2016). Pathogenic role of the gut microbiota in gastrointestinal diseases. Intestinal Research, 14(2), pp.127–138.

Rezaie, A., Buresi, M., Lembo, A., Lin, H., McCallum, R., Rao, S. et al. (2017). Hydrogen and Methane-Based Breath Testing in Gastrointestinal Disorders: The North American Consensus. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 112(5), pp.775–784.