Dr Jafar Jafari, Head of Upper GI Physiology Service at Guy’s and St Thomas’, announces new book in the works highlighting the benefits of HMBT

Dr. Jafar Jafari, expert in the field of gastroenterology, is excited to announce the forthcoming release of his groundbreaking book, “The Essential Guide to Hydrogen and Methane Breath Testing.” at one of the largest Gastroenterology congresses in the world, UEG Week 2023.

Gastrointestinal disorders affect millions of individuals globally, impacting their quality of life and often leading to substantial healthcare costs. Dr Jafari’s new book offers “A Modern Approach to Investigating Gastrointestinal Disorders”, shining a light on the transformative potential of Hydrogen Methane Breath testing (HMBT) to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of various gastrointestinal conditions.

In this comprehensive and expertly researched book, Dr. Jafari delves deep into the science behind HMBT, exploring its role in reshaping the way we understand and manage gastrointestinal health. This book will be published in 2024, and will be published in partnership with leading medical device manufacturer, Bedfont® Scientific Ltd.

Jason Smith, Managing Director at Bedfont®, comments, “We are excited to be working with Dr Jafari on the upcoming release of his new book, we believe it will really help healthcare professionals to unlock the potential of HMBT in Gastroenterology.”

Dr. Jafari, explains, “I have the opportunity to share my knowledge and passion for gastrointestinal health with the next generation of healthcare professionals. This book is a culmination of my experiences, insights, and dedication to the field. I hope it serves as a valuable practical resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of hydrogen and methane breath testing, ultimately leading to improved patient care and outcomes.”

While the official book launch is scheduled for 2024, attendees of UEG 2023 will have the opportunity to get a sneak peek at the book’s content and meet the author, Dr. Jafar Jafari. They can also engage in discussions about the book’s content, its implications for the field, and the future of gastroenterology. This year, UEG 2023 takes place on October 14 – 17, at the Bella Center in Copenhagen; Dr. Jafari will be at Bedfont’s stand, C3-70.

Since 1997, April has been designated as IBS Awareness month by IFFGD (International Foundations for Gastrointestinal Disorders) and listed on the National Health Observances calendar1. This date gives the ability to impact positive outcomes such as providing additional research, increased educational opportunities, and improved patient care for the functional gastrointestinal community1.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects the digestive system, causing symptoms such as stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation. Irritations tend to come and go over time and can last for days, weeks or months at a time2. In England and Wales, the number of people consulting for IBS is estimated to be between 1.6 and 3.9 million3. Unfortunately, although it is fairly common, IBS goes relatively undiagnosed and people are unaware that their symptoms indicate a medically recognized disorder1.

Traditional investigational methods can include invasive blood tests and lengthy waiting times for bloodwork analysis and results. Despite the fact that there is no direct test for IBS, the Gastrolyzer® range by Bedfont® Scientific Ltd. offers a quick and non-invasive breath analysis tool that can help when investigating a patient’s symptoms.

Hydrogen and Methane Breath Testing (HMBT) with the Gastrolyzer® range works by measuring exhaled levels of H2 & CH4 produced when the bacteria in the gut breaks down food. Interpreting these gas levels can help determine and/or rule out gastrointestinal disorders, such as carbohydrate malabsorption and sugar intolerances.

With results promptly displayed onscreen, it reduces the time of your patient’s discomfit, making HMBT an ideal tool for doctors, dietitians, and gastroenterologists.

All the necessary information about how you can help your patients with the Gastrolyzer® range products can be found on our website, https://www.gastrolyzer.com.

References:

1. Ibs awareness month [Internet]. About IBS. 2022 [cited 2023Mar6]. Available from: https://aboutibs.org/living-with-ibs/ibs-awareness-month/

2. NHS choices. NHS; [cited 2023Mar6]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs/

3. Irritable bowel syndrome [Internet]. NICE. 2015. [Cited 10th March 2023]. Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/qs114/documents/irritable-bowel-syndrome-in-adults-qs-briefing-paper2

April is IBS Awareness month, which first began in 1997 when IFFGD (International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders) wanted to steer focus toward providing health messages about the diagnosis, treatment, and life’s difficulties that come with IBS. (1) Although there is no direct test for IBS, traditional investigational methods can include invasive blood tests and lengthy waiting times for bloodwork analysis and results, meaning a longer time for your patients’ discomfort. With the Gastrolyzer® range of hydrogen and methane breath tests, IBS can be investigated both quickly and non-invasively.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, commonly referred to as IBS, is a condition affecting approximately 1 in 20 people in the UK, causing symptoms such as stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation. These tend to come and go over time and can last for days, weeks, or months at a time. (2)

Unfortunately, although it is fairly common, IBS goes relatively undiagnosed and people are unaware that their symptoms indicate a medically recognized disorder.

Hydrogen and Methane Breath testing (HMBT) with the Gastrolyzer® range of breath analysis monitors can help to quickly and non-invasively detect and investigate IBS as well as other gastrointestinal disorders such as lactose intolerance, sugar intolerance, and SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth).

The Gastrolyzer® range works by measuring exhaled levels of hydrogen and methane produced when the gut breaks down food. Interpreting these gas levels can help to determine gastrointestinal disorders like IBS.

Both of these devices are ideal tools for doctors, dietitians, and gastroenterologists. Please see our website https://www.gastrolyzer.com for all the necessary information on how you can help your patients with our range today.

References:

1. International IBS Awareness Month [Internet]. International IBS Awareness Month. 2022 [cited 20 April 2022]. Available from: https://www.nicswell.co.uk/events/international-ibs-awareness-month-2022

2. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) [Internet]. nhs.uk. 2022 [cited 20 April 2022]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs 

Bedfont® presents its new Hydrogen and Methane Breath Testing Home Kits in association with GI Cognition

With the pandemic of COVID-19 bringing a halt to most medical tests and procedures, it has highlighted a need to safely, easily, and remotely find a way for health services to continue treating their patients, especially in the field of Gastroenterology. Global breath analysis manufacturer, Bedfont® Scientific Ltd., has teamed up with GI Cognition to do just that in launching its new Hydrogen and Methane Breath Testing (HMBT) ‘Home Kits’ to help improve Gastric Health remotely.

Known for their innovative medical devices, Bedfont® brings their 32 years of Hydrogen and Methane monitoring knowledge and has created a simple and patient-friendly HMBT Home Kit, which allows patients to be tested remotely for many digestive issues, including food intolerances, IBS, and SIBO. The Home Kits will be distributed by GI Cognition; a UK network of qualified GI physiologists, providing a unique and innovative mobile gastrointestinal physiology service.

According to NICE, IBS prevalence in the UK population is estimated to be between 10% and 20%1 and SIBO affects 1 in 7 according to the London Gastroenterology Centre2. GI Cognition was first established to ease the pressure on UK hospitals that deal with long waiting times and convoluted processes for their gastroenterology outpatients. By teaming up with Bedfont® to offer HMBT Home Kits, they can not only accomplish this but also help Bedfont® to raise awareness of gastrointestinal health and give the patient more knowledge and control of their own gastric health.

Dr. Jafar Jafari, Head Of Upper GI Physiology Service at Guys and St Thomas Hospital, and Executive Director at GI Cognition, explains, “Hydrogen and methane breath testing is an invaluable tool in helping to detect gastrointestinal disorders, but unfortunately there are not enough qualified GI physiologists in the UK to meet the growing demand from patients and hospitals, causing a shortage of upper GI testing services, including HMBT; GI cognition was established to remedy this. We are excited to be working with Bedfont® on HMBT Home Kits to help bridge the gap.”

Jason Smith, Managing Director at Bedfont®, adds, “For some time there has been a need to help reduce the pressure on gastroenterology health services and with the pandemic, we decided to focus on developing the Home Kits sooner. Through remote breath analysis, more patients can be seen, without having to leave the comfort of their homes, meaning they can receive great care and stop living in discomfort by better understanding and taking control of their digestive health.”

References:

  1. Introduction | Irritable bowel syndrome in adults: diagnosis and management | Guidance | NICE [Internet]. Nice.org.uk. 2021 [cited 20 May 2008]. Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg61/chapter/introduction#:~:text=IBS%20most%20often%20affects%20people,of%20IBS%20in%20older%20people.
  2. SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) – Treating, Testing & Preventing [Internet]. London Gastroenterology Centre. 2018 [cited 20 May 2021]. Available from: https://www.gastrolondon.co.uk/overview-of-diagnosis-and-management-of-small-intestinal-bacterial-overgrowth/
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