Monat: April 2025

HMBT World Digestive Health Day (WDHD) is observed annually on May 29 . Established in 2004, the day commemorates the founding of the World Gastroenterology Organization (WGO) in 1958.WDHD aims to raise global awareness about the prevention, prevalence, diagnosis, management, and treatment of digestive disorders.

The theme for 2025 is Your Digestive Health: Nourish to Flourish . In this blog, we will explore the importance of digestive health, how Hydrogen-Methane Breath Testing (HMBT) can help, and why it’s an innovative tool for aiding in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders.

Why is gut health important?

The gut is responsible for breaking down and absorbing nutrients from the foods you eat. The nutrients absorbed help support the body’s functions². Poor gut health can have a significant impact on everyday life, presenting symptoms such as:

• Persistent bloating and gas³,
• Irregular bowel movements³,
• Skin issues³,
• Chronic fatigue and low energy levels³.

Maintaining good gut health has many benefits, from a stronger immune system to improved mental health².

Factors like diet, stress, medication, and infections can negatively affect digestion, leading to GI disorders such as Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and carbohydrate malabsorption.

SIBO⁴

The symptoms of SIBO are very similar to those of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Carbohydrate Malabsorption⁵

Carbohydrate Malabsorption occurs when the body has difficulty digesting and absorbing certain carbohydrates in the small intestine. This leads to the fermentation of undigested carbohydrates in the colon, which can cause gas, bloating, diarrhoea, and discomfort.

The Role of HMBT in Gut Health

HMBT is a non-invasive diagnostic tool for detecting conditions like SIBO and carbohydrate malabsorption. The test works by measuring the levels of hydrogen and methane gas on exhaled breath after consuming specific sugars.

Introducing the Gastroylzer® Range

The Gastrolyzer® is a range of HMBT breath analysis devices that aid the diagnosis of various GI disorders.

How HMBT Works

It’s easy to take a HMBT. Depending on the condition being investigated, the patient consumes a test solution containing either glucose, lactulose, or lactose. Breath samples are then collected at regular intervals, and hydrogen and methane gases are measured. It is also possible to test remotely with the GastroCH₄ECK® Gastrolyzer® using breath bags.

Benefits of Using HMBT for Gut Health

Studies have found that over 40% of the world’s population experience Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGIDs)⁶. The symptoms can significantly impact a person’s life, and knowing the resources available to help is important. A HMBT can provide clarity and guide personalised treatment options. Some key benefits include:

Nourish Your Gut

Supporting a healthy gut starts with giving it the right fuel for a balanced gut microbiome. The following habits can help to promote better gut health:

• Eat more fibre⁷.
• Limit processed foods and sugars⁷.
• Stay hydrated⁷.
• Exercise⁷.
• Manage stress⁷.

Gut health is crucial to overall health. By prioritising digestion, eating a balanced diet rich in fibre, staying hydrated and managing stress, you can support your microbiome and enhance digestive function. This World Digestive Health Day, take the opportunity to listen to your gut and make choices that support a healthier you. For more information on how to take control of your digestive health, read our article ‘Taking Control of your digestive health – Importance of not self-diagnosing’ or visit gastrolyzer.com for more information on hydrogen-methane breath testing.

References

1. WDHD [Internet]. wdhd.worldgastroenterology.org. [Cited 2025 Mar 24]. Available from: https://wdhd.worldgastroenterology.org/
2. Department of Health & Human Services. Gut health [Internet]. www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au. 2023. [Cited 2025 Mar 13]. Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/gut-health
3. Graham D. Why Your Gut Health Matters More Than You Think | Ferrocalm [Internet]. Ferrocalm. 2025 [cited 2025 Mar 13]. Available from: https://ferrocalm.com/why-your-gut-health-matters-more-than-you-think/
4. Jamie Eske . What to know about SIBO and its treatment [Internet]. Medicalnewstoday.com. Medical News Today; 2019 [cited 2025 Apr 3]. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324475#symptoms
5. Peter Born. Carbohydrate malabsorption in patients with non-specific abdominal complaints. World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG [Internet]. 2007 Nov 21;13(43):5687–91. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4171253/
6. Sperber AD, Bangdiwala SI, Drossman DA, Ghoshal UC, Simren M, Tack J, et al. Worldwide Prevalence and Burden of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, Results of Rome Foundation Global Study. Gastroenterology. 2020 Apr;160(1). [Internet]. [Cited 2025 Mar 13]. Available from: https://www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085(20)30487-X/fulltext
7. Services D of H & H. Gut health [Internet]. www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au. [Cited 2025 Mar 13]. Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/gut-health#how-to-improve-your-gut-health

Bedfont® Scientific Limited promotes FeNO testing for asthma management.

Research from Asthma + Lung UK has found a significant rise in Accident and Emergency (A&E) visits from people experiencing breathing issues such as asthma. Asthma + Lung UK is a British charity formed in January 2020, with a dedication to improving respiratory health by focusing on asthma and lung diseases. The latest research shows over 42,000 patients ended up in emergency care in 2023/24 after visiting five or more times within the last 12 months, a 22.9% rise compared to the previous year¹. Bedfont® Scientific Limited, a world leader in breath analysis, is calling for a wider adoption of Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) testing to improve asthma management and reduce unnecessary hospitalisations.

By including FeNO testing in regular asthma reviews, healthcare professionals can check a patient’s adherence to medication and adjust treatment plans. This allows better asthma control, which, in turn, reduces the need for emergency care.

An Asthma + Lung UK poll of 3,428 patients found that 49% said follow-up appointments were not offered for their condition¹. The latest guidelines state that follow-up appointments and annual treatment reviews should be conducted for anyone who has ended up in emergency care².

“Current NHS data shows a worrying pattern, asthma patients are repeatedly visiting hospitals without receiving the follow-up care they need,” said Jason Smith, CEO at Bedfont®. “FeNO testing can bridge this gap by providing early, precise insight into airway inflammation, ensuring patients receive the right treatment at the right time.”

With asthma-related hospital visits on the rise, Bedfont® joins Asthma + Lung UK in calling for the government to prioritise lung health in the upcoming 10-year health plan to prevent lung health from “falling to the bottom of the pile.” Greater investment in FeNO testing in primary care could reduce asthma hospital admissions.

Bedfont® is dedicated to improving respiratory health through innovative technology. The NObreath® FeNO device helps healthcare professionals diagnose and manage asthma accurately, reducing exacerbations and unnecessary hospital visits. Click here to discover how the NObreath® revolutionises asthma care.

References

1. Surge in repeat hospital visits for lung conditions [Internet]. Asthma + Lung UK. 2025 [cited 2025 Mar 18]. Available from: https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/media/press-releases/surge-repeat-hospital-visits-lung-conditions
2. ‌NICE. Overview | Asthma: diagnosis, monitoring and chronic asthma management (BTS, NICE, SIGN) | Guidance | NICE [Internet]. Nice.org.uk. NICE; 2024. Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/NG245

How FeNO testing with the NObreath® can aid an early asthma diagnosis in children.

As the world prepares to observe World Health Day on April 7^th, 2025, Bedfont® Scientific Limited highlights the importance of early and accurate asthma diagnosis with its innovative NObreath® Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) device. Whilst this year’s theme, Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures, focuses on pregnancy and early life, Bedfont® is highlighting how FeNO testing revolutionises asthma care, ensuring children grow up with better respiratory health.

Over 262 million people worldwide have asthma, with 9.1% of them being children (aged 6-7)¹. Undiagnosed or poorly managed asthma can lead to severe breathing difficulties, missed school days, and emergency hospital visits. Traditional tests like spirometry and peak flow meters do not always detect underlying airway inflammation, a common asthma symptom.

“For children, early intervention is vital,” says Jason Smith, CEO at Bedfont®. “The NObreath® is transforming how we detect and manage childhood asthma, giving young patients the best possible start in life. This World Health Day, we want to raise awareness of the importance of proactive asthma management and how FeNO testing can support a healthier future for millions of children worldwide.”

In November 2024, the National Institute of Care Excellence (NICE), the British Thoracic Society (BTS), and the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) published joint guidelines on asthma diagnosis, monitoring, and chronic asthma management. The guidelines recommend FeNO testing as a first-line test for asthma diagnosis in children with symptoms suggestive of asthma.

Carol Stonham MBE, NHS Gloucestershire ICB SW Respiratory network co-clinical lead, comments, “Asthma is the commonest long-term condition we see in children. If we can work with them to establish an early and accurate diagnosis and help them understand what asthma is and how their inhalers work, they will be able to manage their asthma more effectively and grow into young adults who are confident in getting asthma management right. FeNO is vital for the initial diagnosis but is also a great tool for fostering understanding of the inflammation we know is there but can’t see. With this understanding, children and their parents or carers can recognise when symptoms increase and know when to adjust inhalers or seek help.”

For more information on FeNO testing with the NObreath® visit the website by clicking here.

As World Health Day 2025 approaches, Bedfont® is committed to advancing respiratory health and ensuring that FeNO testing is available worldwide. This will allow healthcare professionals to help children breathe easier, stay active, and live healthier lives.

To read more about World Health Day 2025 and how FeNO testing is helping children with asthma, read our blog ‘World Health Day 2025: How FeNO Testing is Helping Children with Asthma’ [insert link to blog]

Read more: https://www.bedfont.com/world-health-day-2025-how-feno-testing-is-helping-children-with-asthma/

References

1. The Global Asthma Report 2022 [cited 26/2/25] Available from https://globalasthmareport.org/burden/burden.php