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 Lactose intolerance is the inability of the body to digest lactose – a kind of sugar – found in milk and milk products. This happens because the enzyme needed to digest lactose is absent. The undigested sugar then causes unpleasant symptoms such as gas, bloating, stomach cramps and diarrhea. A large percentage of people may not even know they have the condition since symptoms are similar to other digestive problems. If you do suspect that you may be lactose intolerant, it is important to consult your doctor and get tested immediately. Once a proper diagnosis is reached, the necessary changes to your lifestyle and diet can be made accordingly.

There are two different tests for lactose intolerance i.e. the hydrogen breath test and the lactose tolerance blood test.

• The Lactose Tolerance Blood Test: This test measures the glucose levels in your blood. Under normal circumstances, your body produces glucose after breaking down lactose during the digestive process. Your blood will be tested before and after drinking a lactose solution to test if this happens. It is best that you avoid eating or drinking anything eight hours before the test. If the results of your tests show a rise in blood glucose level of more than than 30 mg/dL within 2 hours of drinking the lactose solution, the results are normal and you do not suffer from lactose intolerance.
• The Hydrogen Breath Test: This test can take up to two hours to complete. You will be asked to drink a lactose solution (that may or may not cause gas, bloating or diarrhea). After drinking the solution, you will have to blow up a balloon-like container. This will continue every fifteen minutes for the next two hours. The air that you breathe into these bags will be tested for the presence of hydrogen. If your digestive system is functioning normally, only a little hydrogen is produced. However, if you have a problem with digesting lactose, hydrogen and other gases are created in the colon as a result of fermentation and indigestion. High hydrogen levels indicate a problem with lactose tolerance. You should avoid eating or drinking anything (including water or chewing gum) for up to twelve hours before doing the test. If you are pregnant, are allergic to any medications, suffer from a respiratory problem or heart disease or have recently had a colonoscopy, a hydrogen breath test is best avoided.
  

References:

1. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003500.htm

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