Analysis & Diagnostics
Lactulose breath test for hydrogen & methane (SIBO test)
SIBO – When the small intestine rebels
Constantly bloated? Pressure in your upper abdomen? Bloating without relief, diffuse pain, or the feeling that you can no longer rely on your bowels?
What exactly is SIBO?
SIBO stands for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth – so a Overgrowth of the small intestine with bacteria, which do not belong there in such large numbers.
Normally, very few microorganisms live in the upper small intestine. However, with SIBO, thousands to millions of bacteria suddenly multiply there – causing massive discomfort through fermentation processes: gas formation, flatulence, bloating, reflux, diarrhoea or even concentration problems (‘brain fog’).
Typical symptoms of SIBO
- Severe flatulence immediately after eating
- Reflux, feeling of fullness, frequent belching
- Diarrhea or constipation – or both alternating
- Abdominal cramps, pressure, Roemheld syndrome
- Fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability
- Nutrient deficiencies & unclear liver values
- Connection to autoimmune diseases (e.g., Hashimoto, Psoriasis, Rosacea)
Our treatment approach
Systematic & individual
We rely on a multi-stage therapy plan that really works:
Intestinal cleansing & biofilm management
Targeted use of rifaximin (intestinal-specific antibiotic) or phytotherapeutics (plant-based antibiotic substances)
Accompanying dietary adjustment
e.g. Low-FODMAP, short-term fasting or recommendations specifically tailored to you
Construction & stabilization
Probiotics (helpful bacteria) + prebiotics (“food” for a healthy microbiome)
Supporting measures
e.g. vagus nerve stimulation, stress management, osteopathy, acupuncture, targeted nutrient therapy or infusions
We do not offer quick fixes, but rather long-term support.
The most important things in brief
Questions & Answers
You can take the test for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in the comfort of your own home. You will receive a special testing kit, which our staff will explain to you in detail. It's important that you have not taken any antibiotic treatments (4 weeks) or probiotics (1 week) beforehand. Medications (antacids, laxatives) can also interfere with the test. If you have any concerns, please speak to us during your consultation.
You should also avoid certain foods the day before. These are clearly described in the test kit.
The SIBO test is a breath test that is performed on an empty stomach in the morning and takes three hours. Please allow sufficient time for this. After the test, the samples must be mailed directly to the post office. We will provide you with a prepaid return envelope.
Proctological examinations can be billed through health insurance/basic insurance.
Orthopedic consultations can also be billed through basic and supplementary insurance, depending on the length of the consultation. If supplementary insurance is not available, a deductible may apply for some treatments.
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All other consultations can be covered by supplementary insurance (VVG/complementary medicine). If supplementary insurance is not available/does not cover this, the consultation is a self-pay service.
Further diagnostics (microbiome analyses, SIBO tests, special analyses and many infusion therapies) are often self-pay services.
You can reach us by car at Alpenquai 30, 6005 Lucerne, opposite the “Ufschötti”.
Public parking is available directly in front of the practice.
By public transport you can reach Lucerne main stationFrom there, it's a short walk along the lake to our practice. Alternatively, Werkhofstrasse stop with a short walk to the practice.
Covered bicycle racks are available directly next to the practice.
Please bring all relevant health findings such as laboratory data, examinations, diagnosis lists, X-rays or MRI/CT images (conservative orthopedic consultation), presentations at other clinics/practices that could be important for your health record and current concern.
More information about your health and treatment history helps us to get a good overview of you and avoid unnecessary diagnostics.
You will also receive a Health questionnaire, which gives us a good insight. Please bring it with you to your initial consultation or email it to us in advance.
Please bring a current list of your medications and dietary supplements including dosage and supplier You are also welcome to bring the original packaging.