Diagnosing lactose intolerance: This is how the test runs

Content

What is lactose intolerance?
What does the test look like to diagnose lactose intolerance?
Perform the lactose intolerance test at home
What must be taken into account in the case of lactose intolerance?

If there is a suspicion of lactose intolerance, a test must be performed.

What is lactose intolerance?

Lactose intolerance is an intolerance. Patients are sensitive to dairy products. The contained lactose, lactose, can not be properly digested. There are problems with digestion, diarrhea, bloating, nausea or pain.
Lactose consists of the two interconnected molecules glucose and galactose, but the intestine can only absorb them as a single sugar. Lactase, the enzyme required for this process, can not be produced by people with lactose intolerance or only to a limited extent.

What does the test look like to diagnose lactose intolerance?

If lactose intolerance is suspected, the doctor will conduct a test after asking for personal nutritional habits. In most cases, an H2-lactose breath test stat. Here the patient drinks lactose after a 12-hour snack break, which was dissolved in water and then breathes into a test device. In the case of a lactase deficiency, the bacterial decomposition of the milk sugar leads to the formation of hydrogen.

Perform the lactose intolerance test at home

There is the possibility to order a test on Lakosteintoleranz on the Internet and perform at home. This is not recommended. These tests are relatively expensive, but do not replace a detailed medical examination.

Of course, such a provocation test can also be easily readjusted by drinking a glass of milk on an empty stomach at home. However, those who suffer from an intolerance torment themselves unnecessarily and also this method does not replace the visit to the doctor.
On the other hand, it makes sense to have a dietary supplement if there is a suspicion of lactose intolerance. The records help clinicians and patients with the diagnosis.

What must be taken into account in the case of lactose intolerance?

Having a lactose intolerance does not automatically mean that you have to completely dispense with dairy products. Most sufferers tolerate about a glass of milk a day despite lactose intolerance. It depends on how strongly the intolerance is pronounced. It is recommended to carefully test your own limits.