Lactose intolerance is a common digestive disorder that affects a significant portion of the population worldwide. It occurs when the body is unable to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products.

The symptoms of lactose intolerance can vary from mild discomfort to severe gastrointestinal distress. However, diagnosing lactose intolerance can sometimes be challenging, as its symptoms can overlap with other digestive disorders. In this article, we will explore the various methods that doctors use to diagnose lactose intolerance.

Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance

Before delving into the diagnostic methods, let’s briefly discuss the common symptoms associated with lactose intolerance:.

Abdominal pain
Bloating
Flatulence
Diarrhea
Nausea
Stomach cramps
Indigestion

If you regularly experience these symptoms after consuming milk or dairy products, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis.

Medical History and Symptoms Evaluation

During your initial consultation, the doctor will collect a detailed medical history to understand your symptoms better. They will ask questions about your diet, the frequency and intensity of symptoms, and any family history of lactose intolerance.

This initial assessment helps the doctor determine if there is a possibility of lactose intolerance.

Lactose Tolerance Test

The lactose tolerance test is one of the most common methods used to diagnose lactose intolerance. Here’s how the test is conducted:.

Fast for at least eight hours before the test, as the accuracy of the test depends on an empty stomach.
Drink a lactose-containing liquid solution.
The solution usually contains around 50 grams of lactose.
After consuming the solution, your doctor will measure your blood glucose levels at regular intervals.
If your body is unable to digest lactose properly, your blood glucose levels will remain relatively unchanged.

Hydrogen Breath Test

The hydrogen breath test is another commonly used diagnostic tool for lactose intolerance. It is a non-invasive test that measures the amount of hydrogen gas in your breath. Here’s how the test is conducted:.

Fast for at least eight hours before the test.
Drink a lactose-containing liquid solution.
The solution usually contains a specific amount of lactose.
Your doctor will collect breath samples at regular intervals by asking you to blow into a bag.
If you have lactose intolerance, the undigested lactose in your gut will be fermented by bacteria, leading to the production of hydrogen gas.
A high level of hydrogen gas in your breath indicates that you may have lactose intolerance.

Stool Acidity Test

The stool acidity test is mainly used for infants and young children who are unable to undergo the breath or blood tests. This test helps determine if lactose is being properly digested in the intestines. Here’s how the test is conducted:.

Collect a sample of your child’s stool.
The stool sample is then analyzed to measure the amount of lactic acid and other fatty acids.
If the levels of these acids are high, it indicates that lactose is not being well absorbed in the intestines, suggesting lactose intolerance.

Elimination Diet

In some cases, your doctor may suggest an elimination diet to determine if lactose is the cause of your symptoms. Here’s how it works:.

Avoid all lactose-containing foods and beverages for a set period, usually a few weeks.
Monitor your symptoms during this period.
If your symptoms improve significantly or disappear completely, your doctor may conclude that you have lactose intolerance.
To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor may ask you to reintroduce lactose-containing foods gradually to see if the symptoms reoccur.

Biopsy

A biopsy is rarely performed to diagnose lactose intolerance, but in certain cases, it may be necessary. This procedure involves taking a small tissue sample from the lining of the small intestine and examining it for lactase activity.

Lactase is the enzyme responsible for digesting lactose. If there is a lack of lactase in the lining of the small intestine, it confirms lactose intolerance.

Genetic Testing

Genetic testing is another method that can be used to diagnose lactose intolerance. It involves analyzing your DNA to identify any genetic mutations associated with lactase deficiency.

However, it is important to note that this test is generally not recommended as the primary diagnostic method for lactose intolerance, as it does not always correlate with symptoms.

Conclusion

Diagnosing lactose intolerance requires careful evaluation of symptoms, medical history, and the use of specific diagnostic tests.

As symptoms alone are not enough to confirm lactose intolerance, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional to undergo the appropriate diagnostic procedures. Once diagnosed, individuals with lactose intolerance can modify their diet and manage their symptoms effectively, leading to a better quality of life.