LACTOSE TOLERANCE TEST

LACTOSE TOLERANCE TEST

A lactose tolerance test estimates how efficiently your body can digest lactose, a kind of sugar seen in dairy products.  Usually, the body can process dairy products like milk because of the enzymes known as lactase, which malfunction with lactose during absorption.

Nevertheless, some individuals’ levels of lactase are below normal. Lactose continues to act in the intestines. Its incapacity to absorb lactose is defined as lactose intolerance.

TYPES

The lactose tolerance test comes in three types and these are done to identify lactose intolerance in the body.

  • Hydrogen breath test

This is the most common test for lactose intolerance. During this procedure, your healthcare provider will ask you to drink something with lactose. Afterward, you’ll puff within an instrument like a balloon at a given time to determine the amount of hydrogen you breath. 

The more you exhale hydrogen, the more your body can’t handle lactose.

  • Lactose tolerance test

Same as with the hydrogen breath test, this test needs you to drink something with lactose. After two hours, the doctor may get a blood specimen to calculate the amount of glucose in your blood.

If the glucose in your blood doesn’t increase, this implies that your body is not consuming lactose. 

  • Stool acidity test

This test is commonly done in children or infants, as they cannot do other types of tests. A doctor may take a stool specimen to determine if lactose disintegrates appropriately. 

SYMPTOMS

Individuals with lactose intolerance may experience the following symptoms after they digest dairy products.

Lactose intolerance frequently happens in adults and infants who are premature. 

How will you prepare for the lactose tolerance test?

In preparing for the lactose tolerance test, it is best to approach your doctor about the type of test and about the limitations of dairy products. The doctor may order you to not consume food or drink eight hours before the procedure. 

Ensure that your doctor recognizes everything about your conditions and any drugs you’re presently taking. Some of these drugs, foods or drinks can affect the outcomes of the test.

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