When people have trouble digesting dairy products, it could be because of a lactose intolerance. This isn’t quite an allergic reaction, but isn’t quite an immune response issue. The body simply lacks the ability to properly process and absorb the lactose that is being consumed. A breath test is also available to determine if there is intolerance to lactose as hydrogen is created by the malabsorption issue.
When To Ask About the Lactose Intolerance Blood Test
This blood test is typically ordered when someone is suffering from specific signs and symptoms that indicate the possibility of lactose intolerance. These symptoms may begin anywhere between 30-120 minutes after milk or other dairy products have been consumed. The most common symptom is abdominal bloating and pain. Some people may have nausea and increase flatulence, while diarrhea may also result.
Many people will develop some level of lactose intolerance over time. It is estimated that up to 70% of the world’s population has some level of lactose intolerance by the time they reach adult age. Ethnicity does play a role in this process, with people coming from a Native American/First Nations or Asian ancestry being the least likely to develop a lactose intolerance over time.
What Do My Test Results Mean?
The hydrogen breath test is usually the first test that is given to patients who are complaining of lactose intolerance symptoms. A medical provider will first take a baseline breath test. Then the individual will consume a beverage that is loaded with lactose. This will cause hydrogen levels to dramatically increase from the baseline results. A positive breath test often means that a person is suffering from lactose intolerance.
Having low levels or negative levels of hydrogen on the breath test mean that lactose intolerance is less likely, but it is still a possibility. This is because the bacteria in the digestive tract do not always produce hydrogen. In this circumstance, the lactose intolerance blood test is then typically ordered.
Test results are based on the levels of glucose that are in the blood. If glucose levels remain stable and someone is suffering from the symptoms of lactose intolerance, then this indicates the health issue is likely present. Symptoms of lactose intolerance with a rising glucose level indicate a different health issue is likely to blame.
Although this testing can happen at home, it is important to have a medical provider interpret results. Certain health conditions, such as diabetes, can create results that have rising glucose levels while lactose intolerance is still present
Here’s What You Need To Know
Antibiotics naturally reduce the levels of bacteria within the digestive tract over 1-2 months after being taken. Speak with your doctor about taking the breath test in this circumstance because there is a higher chance of having a false negative result occur in this situation.
Sometimes the speed of how food moves through the digestive tract can mimic lactose intolerance even though no intolerance actually exists. Because the body struggles to take the nutrients out of the food when the process is moving faster than normal, the same symptoms occur. In this situation, the symptoms typically go away once the digestive process returns to normal speed.
An overgrowth of bacteria in the digestive tract can also cause symptoms that are similar to lactose intolerance. Several other digestive disorders and stomach conditions can also do the same thing. For this reason, a medical provider may wish to do a complete screening to rule out other conditions, such as IBS, Crohn’s disease, or other more serious health conditions which can cause similar signs and symptoms.
If all the tests come back negative and an individual is still suffering from the symptoms of lactose intolerance, then genetic testing may be recommended. Mutations in the gene which process lactose can identify if there is a digestive deficiency.
What To Do After Diagnosis
The easiest way to treat a lactose intolerance is to avoid all dairy products which contain it. Certain dairy products, especially cheese, do not have lactose because of how the food product is processed. There are also certain medications and supplements which may be recommended to help break down the lactose so the body can absorb the nutrients more readily.
The lactose intolerance blood test results explained here can help you understand more about what your body needs. It can be tempting to self-treat this condition, so make sure you schedule a time to speak with a doctor about any bothersome symptoms you are experiencing. This way your treatment plan can always be up-to-date with accurate information.