How breath analysis could support gut health

Billy Boyle discusses the potential of breath analysis technology in delivering improvements in diagnosis and clinical monitoring, for patients with digestive diseases. In this article, he reveals how portable devices could revolutionise gastrointestinal healthcare in the future.

Worldwide, more than a billion people live with digestive diseases including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). These issues can be notoriously challenging to diagnose, with some of those living with gut health issues presenting with symptoms at least five years before a diagnosis,1 which can be agonising when many symptoms like bloating, cramping, and diarrhoea impact day-to-day quality of life.

The debilitating symptoms associated with these conditions can impair work performance, limit social activities, and undermine overall well-being. There is also a great psychological toll on living with a poorly managed or undiagnosed gut health condition, as they can contribute to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem in selected individuals.2

Despite their prevalence, diagnosing gut health issues remains a challenge, and the lengthy waiting period for diagnosis not only affects the suffering of individuals, but also imposes substantial burdens on healthcare systems. Conducting the lengthy diagnosis process of gut health conditions impacts healthcare professionals' time and is estimated to cost the NHS up to £1.3 billion per year.3

Log in or register FREE to read the rest

This story is Premium Content and is only available to registered users. Please log in at the top of the page to view the full text. If you don't already have an account, please register with us completely free of charge.

Latest Issues

AfPP Manchester Regional Conference

Manchester Metropolitan University Business School
1st March 2025

The Fifth Annual Operating Theatres Show 2025

Kia Oval, London
11th March 2025, 9:00am - 4:00pm

AfPP Newcastle Regional Conference

Herschel Building, Newcastle University
26th April 2025

Infection Prevention and Control 2025 Conference and Exhibition

The National Conference Centre, Birmingham
29th – 30th April 2025

Decontamination and Sterilisation 2025 Conference and Exhibition

The National Conference Centre, Birmingham
29th April 2025

Scottish Intensive Care Society Conference 2025

Crieff Hydro Hotel
1st - 2nd May 2-25