DIAGNOSIS

Effects of lactose intolerance can contribute to the unusual proportions of certain substances found in our body. These can be used to diagnose for lactose intolerance.



Methods:

Hydrogen Breath Test. This method is rather widely used, whereby the person drinks a lactose-loaded beverage and then the breath is analyzed and measured for the amount of hydrogen. Those without lactose intolerance will have low amounts of hydrogen gas found, but those who have undigested lactose produces high levels of hydrogen. However, this method may not be totally accurate as results could be affected by certain factors, like smoking and certain medication intake.







Stool Acidity Test. This test is generally used for infants and young children to measure the amount of acid in the stool. Undigested lactose produces lactic acid and other fatty acids that can be detected in a stool sample.






Lactose Endurance Test. This test works by consuming a certain amount of milk sugar after starving the body from lactose. A blood sample is taken to analyse the glucose level in the blood. If the blood glucose level does not exceed a certain limit ( < 20 mg/100 ml) a lactose intolerance exists.


The process of a diagnosis currently may not be pleasant. However, technology has changed and since then, such diagnosis no longer has to affect daily life as much as it did in the past.