SIBO Breath-Testing

Cardiovascular Health
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Dr. Traub has expertise in the diagnosis and management of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and related conditions such as intestinal methanogen overgrowth (IMO).
Lokahi Health Center is the only location in the state of Hawaii that offers SIBO lactulose breath testing using a gas analyzer technology in-house. We offer breath testing ordered by other practitioners for their patients. Our test-kits can be sent to any clinic or directly to patients and includes pre-paid return shipping. We guarantee a 7-day turnaround for results once the completed test-kit has been received at our clinic. The current testing cost is $233 plus tax

Hydrogen and methane lactulose breath testing is a widely accepted means of detecting abnormal numbers of microorganisms in the small intestine indicating small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and intestinal methanogen overgrowth (IMO). Dr Traub is the author of “A Clinician’s Guide to the Evaluation and Treatment of SIBO.”

How is it treated?

There are well-established approaches to treating SIBO, most of which have shown comparable effectiveness to one another in clinical trials (6). SIBO treatment also typically falls into phases: reducing bacterial overgrowth, maintenance, and repair. Reducing bacterial overgrowth can be achieved through specific dietary modifications, certain prescription antibiotics or antimicrobial herbs, or a combination of all approaches. Maintenance and repair phases are usually a combination of dietary strategies and prokinetic medications (that improve the motility of the small intestine) to address the underlying causes of the problem and reduce the chance of relapse. Within each of these therapeutic categories, there are a number of different options to select from.

Choosing the right treatment for a patient takes into consideration a number of factors, including addressing underlying causes, their specific SIBO test results, their previous medical history and their primary symptoms. This allows us to personalize a treatment plan that is specific to the patient, to ensure the best outcomes for that individual case. Every SIBO case is different and response to treatment and length of treatment required for recovery can vary significantly. Ensuring patients are being managed by an expert in SIBO maximizes chances of receiving optimal treatment and definitive resolution.

For more details, A Clinician’s Guide to the Evaluation and Treatment of SIBO (sponsored by Quintron Instrument Company and published in the Natural Medicine Journal) is available here.

References:
1. Ghoshal UC, Srivastava D. Irritable bowel syndrome and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth: meaningful association or unnecessary hype. World J Gastroenterol. 2014;20(10):2482-2491. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i10.2482
 2. Parodia A, Paolino S, Greco A et al. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth in Rosacea: Clinical Effectiveness of Its Eradication. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2008;6(7):759-764. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2008.02.054
 3. Bures J. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth syndrome. World J Gastroenterol. 2010;16(24):2978. doi:10.3748/wjg.v16.i24.2978 4. Henriksson A, Blomquist L, Nord C, Midtvedt T, Uribe A. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 1993;52(7):503-510. doi:10.1136/ard.52.7.503
5. Rezaie A, Buresi M, Lembo A et al. Hydrogen and Methane-Based Breath Testing in Gastrointestinal Disorders: The North American Consensus. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2017;112(5):775-784. doi:10.1038/ajg.2017.46 6. Chedid V, Dhalla S, Clarke JO, et al. Herbal therapy is equivalent to rifaximin for the treatment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Glob Adv Health Med. 2014;3(3):16-24. Doi: 7453/gahmj.2014.019

Naturopathic Hormonal Treatment

Dr. Traub's practice focuses on addressing hormonal imbalances such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These conditions affect nearly every woman during her lifetime; 

Some other examples of things he treats include adrenal dysfunction and depression/anxiety disorders that occur due to hormone issues like PMTolong periods. If you're experiencing any type of these symptoms ask for an appointment today