Lactose intolerance is a common condition that causes trouble digesting lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. If you think you might be lactose intolerant, some medical tests can help figure it out.
Let’s take a look at lactose intolerance testing and how it works. Additionally, we will talk about a GI clinic where you can go for lactose intolerance testing and lactose intolerance treatment.
What is Lactose Intolerance?
Before we dive into lactose intolerance testing, it’s important to understand what lactose intolerance is. If you’re lactose intolerant, it means your body doesn’t produce enough lactase, the enzyme needed to break down lactose.
Without enough lactase, lactose stays in your gut and causes uncomfortable symptoms like:
- Stomach pain
- Bloating
- Gas
- Diarrhea
Why Do You Need Lactose Intolerance Testing?
Testing for lactose intolerance helps doctors figure out if your symptoms come from lactose intolerance or something else. This is important because other conditions, like IBS or celiac disease, can cause similar symptoms. Getting accurate testing will make sure you get the best treatment and advice.
Types of Lactose Intolerance Testing and What Happens During the Tests
Doctors use different tests to see if someone is lactose intolerant. These tests check how well your body can handle lactose. Here are some common tests and what happens during each one.
Lactose Tolerance Blood Test
How It Works
In a lactose tolerance test, doctors measure how well your body can digest lactose by checking your blood glucose (sugar) levels after you consume lactose.
What Happens During the Test
- Preparation: You might need to fast (not eat or drink anything except water) for about 8 hours before the test.
- Drinking the Solution: When you go to the doctor’s office, they will give you a special drink with lactose in it.
- Blood Samples: The doctor will take samples of your blood a few times, every 30 minutes for two hours.
- Measuring Glucose Levels: The doctor will test your blood to see how much sugar you have in it. If your body can digest milk sugar, the sugar levels will go up. If you are lactose intolerant, the sugar levels will stay low because your body cannot break down the milk sugar.
Hydrogen Breath Test
How It Works
This test checks the amount of hydrogen in your breath after you eat lactose. Usually, there is only a small amount of hydrogen in your breath. But if the lactose doesn’t get digested and instead ferments in your colon, it creates more hydrogen that goes into your blood and comes out when you breathe.
What Happens During the Test
- Preparation: Before the test, you might need to fast for 8-12 hours and stay away from some foods or medicines that could change the results.
- Baseline Breath Sample: When you arrive, you’ll blow into a special bag or machine to provide an initial breath sample.
- Drinking the Solution: You’ll then drink a liquid containing lactose.
- Breath Samples Over Time: Over the next few hours, you’ll give additional breath samples every 15 to 30 minutes. You’ll breathe into the same machine or bag as before.
- Measuring Hydrogen Levels: The breath samples are checked for how much hydrogen is present. If there is a lot of hydrogen, it means that your body is not digesting lactose well and it’s causing problems in your stomach.
Managing Lactose Intolerance
If you are diagnosed with lactose intolerance, there are different ways to help with your symptoms and make sure you still eat a balanced diet.
Dietary Adjustments
- Limit Dairy Intake: Your GI doctor will likely recommend you reduce or eliminate lactose-containing foods from your diet.
- Lactose-Free Products: It’s a good idea to opt for lactose-free milk and dairy alternatives like almond, soy, or oat milk.
- Read Labels: Make a habit of checking food labels for hidden sources of lactose.
Lactase Supplements
If you have trouble digesting dairy, taking a lactase enzyme supplement before consuming it can help. Your doctor can suggest the best one for you.
Lactose Intolerance Testing in Westlake and Brooklyn, Ohio
If you suspect lactose intolerance, consult with our GI doctor here at North Shore Gastroenterology in Westlake or Brooklyn, Ohio, to determine the best lactose intolerance testing method for you. Our doctors are experts in GI (stomach) problems and can find and treat issues like lactose intolerance. We use advanced tools to make sure test results are correct and evidence-based.
Schedule your lactose intolerance test with North Shore Gastroenterology today by calling (440) 808-1212 or using our appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
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