Diagnosis of lactose intolerance
Diagnosis
Lactose intolerance is suspected when a person has symptoms after consuming dairy products. To confirm the diagnosis, it is just sufficient to take a 3- to 4-week trial period of a diet free of dairy products. If the symptoms are relieved there is no need to run further tests.If required, the tests include:
- Enteroscopy: it helps in visualising the small bowel
- Lactose-hydrogen breath test: this is a simple non-invasive test. Flavoured liquid containing lactose is given to the patient. They are then asked to breathe into a balloon-type container. Samples of breath are collected and the hydrogen level is checked. Increased levels of hydrogen indicate intolerance.
- Lactose tolerance test: It looks for glucose in your blood. Samples taken before and after the patient drinks the lactose solution (as mentioned above) are compared.
- Stool pH: Lactose intolerance results in acidic pH.
References:
- Cecil Medicine, 23rd Ed.
- The Merck Manual, 18th Ed.
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