What is a breath test and how does it work?
A breath test is a non-invasive diagnostic tool used to evaluate how your digestive system processes certain sugars and bacteria. It helps identify underlying conditions such as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), H. pylori infection, and food intolerances that may be causing symptoms like bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort.
Breath Tests Available to NYC Patients
Hydrogen-methane breath test (SIBO)
This test evaluates for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), a condition where excess bacteria in the small intestine interfere with digestion. By measuring hydrogen and methane gas levels after consuming a test solution, this exam can help explain symptoms such as bloating, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation.
Urea breath test (H. pylori)
The urea breath test is used to detect Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a bacterium that can infect the stomach lining. H. pylori is a leading cause of peptic ulcers and chronic gastritis. Identifying and treating this infection can significantly reduce symptoms and prevent long-term complications.
Lactose breath test
This test helps determine whether your body can properly digest lactose, the sugar found in dairy products. If lactose is not properly absorbed, it can cause symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort after consuming milk, cheese, or other dairy foods.
Fructose breath test
The fructose breath test evaluates how well your body absorbs fructose, a natural sugar found in fruits, honey, and many processed foods. Poor absorption can result in bloating, gas, and digestive discomfort. Identifying fructose intolerance can help guide dietary adjustments and improve symptom control.
How are breath samples collected and analyzed?
Patients receive clear instructions to ensure accurate results. At-home kits include everything needed to collect and return samples, while in-office testing is supervised by trained staff. Once results are analyzed, your NYGA physician will review the findings with you and develop a treatment plan based on your symptoms.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a breath test?
A breath test is a non-invasive diagnostic tool used to evaluate how your digestive system processes certain substances. By analyzing the gases you exhale after drinking a specific solution, the test can identify conditions such as H. pylori infection, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), and carbohydrate malabsorption such as lactose, sucrose and fructose intolerance.
How does a breath test work?
During the test, you’ll drink a solution that contains a sugar or urea compound. As your body digests it, certain bacteria or enzymes produce gases, such as hydrogen, methane, or carbon dioxide, that are measured in your breath at timed intervals. These patterns help your gastroenterologist determine whether infection, bacterial overgrowth, or malabsorption is present.
What does a breath test diagnose?
Breath tests help diagnose several digestive conditions by analyzing how your body breaks down specific substances. They are commonly used to detect H. pylori infection, SIBO, and lactose or fructose intolerance. The results can guide targeted treatment, improve symptom management, and provide clarity for patients experiencing bloating, gas, abdominal pain, or unexplained digestive discomfort.
How should I prepare for a hydrogen-methane breath test?
Your NYGA provider will give instructions based on your history. You will need to avoid antibiotics and probiotics for 3 weeks prior to the test. You may need to stop certain motility medications or constipation/diarrhea medications, so speak with your provider to clarify instructions. The day prior, you will be given dietary instructions and will need to avoid lactose and high fiber-containing foods. You may not smoke or exercise the morning of the test. You will fast overnight and do the test prior to eating. The hydrogen-methane breath test traditionally collects breath samples over 3 hours.
Can I drink water before an H. pylori breath test?
You will need to fast for at least 2 hours prior to your H. pylori breath test. This includes avoiding all food and beverages, even small sips of water.
How long does an H. pylori breath test take?
An H. pylori breath test typically takes 15 to 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll breathe into a collection device before and after drinking the testing solution. Once complete, your gastroenterologist will review the results and discuss next steps.
How should I prepare for the H. pylori breath test?
You will need to fast for 2 hours (including no water) and avoid smoking or chewing gum before your H. pylori breath test. Certain medications, especially antibiotics, PPIs, or bismuth-containing products, may need to be stopped up to two weeks beforehand, as they can interfere with test accuracy. Your NYGA physician will give personalized instructions based on your medical history.
Why Patients Choose NYGA
Our board-certified gastroenterologists make it a priority to personally greet you and escort you to the exam room. This intentional, one-on-one introduction creates an immediate sense of trust, respect, and open communication—because we believe strong relationships lead to better care.
We Take the Time
No rushed visits, no generic plans. Every appointment is designed to understand you—your unique symptoms, history, and concerns.
State-of-the-Art Technology
We use advanced diagnostics and leading research to ensure accurate results and deliver the least invasive, most effective care possible.
True Partnership
Our physicians see themselves as your allies, working with you to create treatment strategies that fit your life, not just your diagnosis.
Support at Every Step
From diagnosis through recovery and long-term management, our team ensures you feel seen, heard, and supported at every stage.
Patient-Centered Care
From your first visit, you’ll experience attentive, compassionate care designed around your unique needs.
Expertise You Can Trust
Whether you’re here for a routine colonoscopy, hemorrhoid treatment, or managing complex conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, you’ll be cared for by experts with years of advanced training and hands-on experience.
The NYGA Difference
Patients choose us because they want more than medical expertise—they want a doctor who listens, a team that cares, and an environment where they feel safe and respected. Our personalized, hands-on approach ensures that your digestive health journey is not just managed, but truly cared for.
Book Your Appointment TodayWhat Our Patients Say
Don't just take our word for it. See what our patients have to say about their experiences at NYGA. We are proud of the positive feedback we receive and strive to exceed your expectations every day.
“In my opinion, the best in New York City! The practice is smooth running from start to finish. Kudos to all of the staff who are kind and caring. They explain everything as the process goes along. The facility is spotless and all areas are comfortable. I highly recommend Dr. Naymagon.”
“Very best! Dr. Kavaler is understanding. Talented. Expert in gastro. Helpful. Caring. I can't imagine or would trust anyone else. From endoscopy to colonoscopy. End to end!!”
“I agree 100% with Neukyn G.'s comment from August 2025. The service at the Endoscopy Center as it relates to my endoscopy from April 2024 was good. Dr. Aisenberg was straightforward and walked me through all of my options and then administered the procedure in a caring manner.The issue was with billing. I purposefully called ahead of time and spoke to representatives from the Endoscopy Center and my insurance company in order to confirm with certainty what the cost of my procedure would be. Everyone agreed on the amount, which I paid at the time of my procedure. Somehow, for some reason, everyone had gotten it wrong. I was billed in multiple installments for multiple additional amounts and services after my procedure, after paying the amount I was promised was the sum total of the cost. The Center does hundreds of endoscopies a year - how could they have not been able to tell me what it would cost? And to have gotten it wrong after multiple discussions, including in consultation with my insurance.I received these multiple bills over time. Each time (including in July 2026, more than 2 years after the procedure!) I called the Endoscopy Center's billing office to inquire as to why additional bills came. They promised me each time that the subsequently made payments would mean I've fully paid for the service. They were wrong. The last time, I got a *text message* from Remex, a debt collection agency. I thought it was spam. I called the billing dept. and was told by the billing dept. that the charge was turned over to the agency in December 2024. How could the billing department, when I spoke to them in December 2024 and February 2025, not been able to tell me that there were additional debts outstanding that were to be/had been turned over to an agency?Horrible customer service. Horrible communication. Something needs to be done. Despite the good care, I will never come back here and I would advise people to find a different provider to spare yourself the unnecessary cost, in dollars and time.”
“I felt Dr. Yang asked pertinent questions regarding my past and present medical history, to better understand and evaluate my medical needs.”
“Dr. Frado was lovely. She was polite, very thorough, respectful of what I needed and seems to really understands my Gastro challenges.”
“He is a fabulous doctor and expertly diagnosed the problem.”
“Excellent!”
“I had a very disappointing experience at this office today when I arrived for my SIBO breath test.From the moment I walked in, the woman at the front desk was hostile and unwelcoming. I explained that I had never received the preparation instructions for the test. Rather than trying to help or find a solution, she immediately focused on telling me that I had opened the patient portal more than 10 days ago. I’ve never been to a medical office that sends critical test instructions so far in advance of the appointment and assumes patients will remember to go back and review them days later. A simple reminder closer to the appointment would have prevented this situation.Instead of showing empathy or working with me to resolve the issue, she raised her voice, repeatedly told me to “take accountability,” and handled the interaction in an extremely confrontational and unprofessional manner. I felt like I was being scolded rather than helped. The entire exchange was unnecessarily uncomfortable and stressful.Customer service, especially in healthcare, should be centered on professionalism, empathy, and problem-solving. Unfortunately, I experienced none of those qualities here. The interaction left me feeling so uncomfortable that I no longer feel safe or confident having my SIBO test performed at this location.I hope the practice invests in customer service and conflict resolution training for its front desk staff, because no patient should be treated this way.”
“Dr. Pashinsky is an excellent Doctor. Knowledgeable, caring, takes her time to figure out your diagnosis and very responsive.”
“Everything went seamless. In and out around 20 minutes. I would recommend Dr. Naymagon.”
Accepted Insurance
We accept a wide range of insurance plans to help make your care as affordable as possible.
- 1199
- Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey — PPO plans only
- Aetna
- Magnacare
- Affinity
- Medicare
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Metro Plus
- Cigna
- NYCE PPO (formerly GHI CBP/Anthem BlueCross and BlueShield)
- Emblem Health - HIP
- OSCAR
- Empire NY Government Plan
- Oxford
- Fidelis
- UMR
- Healthfirst
- United Healthcare
If you're not sure whether your insurance is accepted, please call our office. Our staff is happy to check your benefits to help you understand your options.
Schedule an Appointment
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In Person Consultations and Telehealth Appointments
Schedule an in-person consultation with one of NYGA's board-certified gastroenterologists at one of our convenient Manhattan or Brooklyn locations or opt for telehealth to receive expert care from home.
Procedures
We perform upper endoscopies and colonoscopies in our three state-of-the-art facilities:
Convenient Locations Across NYC
Get personalized, expert care tailored to your digestive health needs. Call or Text to be seen today!
Brooklyn Heights
Upper West Side
Ocean Parkway
Patients who cannot use stairs may be seen at another location. Call for details.
Midtown
Upper East Side
Upper East Side
Patients who cannot use stairs may be seen at another location. Call for details.