Food intolerances

Macmurray Gastroenterology has the leading breath test technology to scientifically diagnose what foods you are intolerant of. Studies have identified common food triggers of gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, pain and change of bowel habit. A group of carbohydrates with similar properties have been found to be a major cause of these irritable bowel symptoms.

The major FODMAPs are fructose (honey, apples, pears), fructans (wheat, rye, onions), galactans (legumes, cabbage), polyols (stone fruits, mushrooms) and lactose (milk, ice cream). Malabsorption of two of the five FODMAP sugars can be tested through breath testing studies  the remainder will be assessed as potential triggers by your dietitian. If you have had breath tests with negative results for both fructose and lactose, there are still three other FODMAP sugars that require attention as potential triggers. The dietitian will also instruct you on whether you need to avoid all FODMAPs or just limit your FODMAP load over the day.

The breath tests involve a low FODMAP diet prior to the study. On the day of the study you need to starve. Then you will be given a drink containing the FODMAP to be tested. If your small bowel is unable to digest this substrate the carbohydrate enters the colon and is fermented by the resident bacteria producing Hydrogen or Methane. The symptoms of irritable bowel are triggered by this gas production. The gas is rapidly absorbed into the blood stream and exhaled in the breath. We can measure this and therefore can very accurately tell you what you are 'allergic' too.

The test involves a short breath into a machine every 15 minutes until we see a change in the level of the gas. Our fantastic dietician will then go through your diet and give you potentially life changing advice.

You do not need a referral for this test.

Please call 5501080 to discuss this further and book your test.