Lactose Tolerance Tests
Lactose Tolerance Tests
A Lactose Tolerance Test is used to diagnose lactose intolerance or check for other disorders that may cause similar symptoms. This test measures how well the body is able to digest and absorb a type of sugar called lactose. It is commonly done by healthcare practitioners to diagnose and assess the severity of a patient’s condition.
Preparation for a Lactose Tolerance Test
Most healthcare professionals advise patients to fast for 8-12 hours before the Lactose Tolerance Test. In addition, it is best to avoid dairy products, antacids, and any other medication that could interfere with the results of the test, for at least 24 hours before the test.
Procedure for a Lactose Tolerance Test
The test is typically performed in two stages. In the first stage, patients are given a lactose solution to drink. The solution contains a measureable amount of lactose. About an hour later, a blood sample is taken from the patient and tested for glucose levels. In the second stage, the patient is given a larger amount of lactose solution and another blood sample is taken two hours after drinking the solution. The healthcare provider then compares the patient’s glucose levels before and after drinking the lactose solution to see how well the lactose was absorbed by the body.
Types of Lactose Tolerance Tests
Healthcare professionals may use several types of Lactose Tolerance Tests, depending on the symptoms and medical history of the patient. The most commonly used test is the oral glucose tolerance test, which is the two-stage test described above. Another type is the breath hydrogen test, in which patients drink a lactose solution and their breath is tested for hydrogen after some time. Finally, the lactose tolerance blood test measures the amount of lactose in the blood after patients fast for 8-12 hours and then drink a lactose solution.
Risks Associated with Lactose Tolerance Testing
The main risk associated with the Lactose Tolerance Test is a temporary feeling of nausea or abdominal discomfort. Rarely, patients who are allergic to lactose may experience more serious reactions, such as difficulty breathing and swelling of the tongue or throat. In such cases, the patient should seek medical attention immediately.
When Is a Lactose Tolerance Test Recommended?
The Lactose Tolerance Test is typically recommended for people who experience symptoms of lactose intolerance, such as bloating, cramps, diarrhea, or gas after eating or drinking milk or other dairy products. It is also used to diagnose other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or celiac disease.
Why Is the Lactose Tolerance Test Performed?
The Lactose Tolerance Test is a helpful diagnostic tool for people who experience symptoms of lactose intolerance. It can help confirm a diagnosis of lactose intolerance or identify other disorders that could cause similar symptoms. By measuring how well the body absorbs and digests lactose, healthcare practitioners can get an idea of the severity of a patient’s condition.
