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In reply to the discussion: 10 months and counting dealing with daily chronic diarrhea. [View all]Frustratedlady
(16,254 posts)It is a simple breath test (after fasting) where they sample your breath every 15 minutes or so by you blowing into a tube. That's it. The test is cheap and rarely ordered.
Bacteria overgrowth can occur when you take antibiotics and it kills off the good bacteria and the bad bacteria gets a foot-hold. The diarrhea is explosive and can catch you off guard. It is said that that bacteria thrives on sweets, but I can't back that up.
I had a bladder infection a couple years ago and took two sessions of antibiotics. Since then, I've fought that same problem and they finally gave me the bacteria overgrowth test and I failed. After antibiotics, I was back to normal. I still carry a bag with spare pants and Depends, but so far, so good. Your problem is identical to what I experienced and it rules your life. The only discomfort you will have is fasting. The rest is simple, but what a relief to be rid of it.
I don't know why more doctors don't order that test and eliminate that overgrowth is a problem. Too simple/too cheap? It's great to eat salads again. Good luck!