Year 2025 / Volume 117 / Number 10
Letter
Frequent errors in the interpretation of breath tests in patients with suspected small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

612-613

DOI: 10.17235/reed.2025.11292/2025

Adriana Fuentes Gómez,

Abstract
The letter highlights the growing issue of misinterpretation of the breath test in diagnosing SIBO, particularly in patients with slow intestinal transit. It warns of the risk of false negatives when key clinical factors are overlooked and gas curves are not properly interpreted. Additionally, it calls for a broader therapeutic approach beyond antibiotics, including alternatives such as phytotherapy, and emphasizes the need for improved clinical training in the interpretation of these tests.
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References
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3. EM Q. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth: from malabsorption to misinterpretation. Minerva Gastroenterol [Internet]. 2025; Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39804239/
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5. Min M, Nadora D, Chakkalakal M, et al. An Oral Botanical Supplement Improves Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and Facial Redness: Results of an Ope-Label Clinical study. Nutrients. 2024;16(18):3149.
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Fuentes Gómez A. Frequent errors in the interpretation of breath tests in patients with suspected small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). 11292/2025


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Publication history

Received: 19/04/2025

Accepted: 26/04/2025

Online First: 12/06/2025

Published: 10/10/2025

Article Online First time: 54 days

Article editing time: 174 days


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