Navigation
[TITLE]

[MESSAGE]

[BUTTONS]

Popular questions...

Content

How is lactose intolerance diagnosed?

If you are experiencing signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance, your doctor may recommend an elimination diet test. This involves stopping certain foods to see if your symptoms are reduced. Other more specific diagnostic tests include a lactose tolerance blood test to identify if lactose is being converted into glucose and absorbed by the blood. A hydrogen breath test or stool acidity test can also identify if lactose is not being broken down and absorbed into your body.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is lactose intolerance?

Lactose is a natural sugar found most commonly in cow's milk. Lactose intolerance occurs when your body cannot properly digest lactose. This happens to people when they do not have enough of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose into its easily digested …

What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance?

The symptoms of lactose intolerance can include bloating, stomach pain, increased wind and diarrhea.

What causes lactose intolerance?

Lactose intolerance is caused by too little of the enzyme lactase. If your body does not produce enough lactase, lactose will not be broken down and absorbed into your body. At this point, bacteria in your body will break down lactose using a fermentation …

Who gets lactose intolerance?

Lactose intolerance affects anybody that does not produce enough lactase. In some people, lactose intolerance can be a result of ageing, when less lactase enzyme is produced. An illness or intestinal disease can also cause lactose intolerance, such as …

How is lactose intolerance treated?

There is no specific cure or treatment for lactose intolerance. Your doctor may recommend that you identify the foods and drinks that are causing your symptoms and reduce your intake of them.

Can lactose intolerance be cured?

There is no cure for lactose intolerance. Symptoms can be alleviated by lowering your intake of lactose.

Will lactose intolerance clear on its own?

Signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance will cease if you reduce your intake of foods and drinks that are causing them.

Is lactose intolerance an ongoing condition?

Unfortunately, signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance will probably return each time you have the food or drink that caused a reaction in the past.

What can be done at home to treat lactose intolerance?

To help reduce your symptoms at home, you can switch from cow's milk to soy or rice milk.

Related topics

Diseases & conditions

Coeliac disease

Coeliac disease is diagnosed when the body's immune system responds inappropriately to gluten, a protein found in wheat. This results in the inner surface of the small intestine becoming inflamed. A life-long gluten free diet is the main treatment.…
Diseases & conditions

Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease that mainly affects the large intestine, causing inflammation and ulcers that can lead to bleeding. Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and the part of the bowel affected. Lifestyle measures can also help reduce flare-ups.…
Diseases & conditions

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is a common condition sometimes called ‘gastro’ or ‘stomach flu’. The main symptoms are diarrhoea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Most people are at risk of developing it at some point in their lives.…
Diseases & conditions

Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is an unpredictable condition where the exact cause is often unknown. Stress, previous food-related illness and certain food types seem to trigger attacks. Working with your doctor to pinpoint triggers may help manage the condition.…
Diseases & conditions

Crohn’s disease

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel condition that mainly affects the intestines. The main symptoms include diarrhoea, abdominal cramping and tiredness. Although there is no known cure, Crohn’s disease can be managed with medications, dietary measures and, in some cases, surgery.…
Diseases & conditions

Carcinoid syndrome

Carcinoid syndrome describes a set of symptoms caused by a carcinoid tumour that secretes various naturally-occurring chemicals, such as serotonin, histamine and prostaglandins. Symptoms vary, but can include flushing, diarrhoea and wheezing.…

About this article

Author: Karen McCloskey BHSc
First answered: 23 Sep 2014
Last reviewed: 14 May 2019
Rating: 5.0 out of 5
Votes: 260 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Coeliac disease

×

Content goes in here.