Lactose intolerance is an extremely common condition that is incurable, though with treatment it can be managed. Lactose intolerance occurs when the body cannot easily digest lactose, which is a sugar found in milk. Symptoms can include diarrhea, bloating, and gas after consuming milk or milk products.
Lactose intolerance is typically diagnosed by your physician performing a lactose breath test.
During the lactose breath test, you will consume a lactose sugar packet and then your doctor will take breath samples. This would include breath samples every twenty minutes over a three-hour period and will be done in office. Patients who have lactose intolerance may experience lactose intolerance symptoms due to consuming the lactose sugar packet before the test. We recommend lactose testing for all patients suffering from malnutrition, irritable bowel syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease (including Chrohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis.)
Lactose Intolerance is typically treated by the patient completely removing milk and milk products from their diet. There are many lactose free products sold in grocery stores today. Patients with lactose intolerance can also take lactose enzyme medication before eating or drinking milk products to help the body break down the lactose. There is the possibility of patients who are suffering from lactose intolerance becoming deficient in vitamins and nutrients like protein, riboflavin, vitamin D, and calcium. This can be avoided by eating food that is high in calcium and calcium fortified. Your physician may recommend taking a calcium supplement as well.
If you are experiencing the symptoms listed above and/or believe you are suffering from lactose intolerance, call Blair Gastroenterology Associates today at 814-946-5469 to schedule an appointment for a complete evaluation.
