While many people think that they are suffering from lactose intolerance, there may be other causes for similar symptoms.  The most common symptoms of lactose intolerance include excessive gas, a bloated feeling and appearance, cramps, nausea and diarrhea.  However many of these same symptoms can be present when a person is suffering from irritable bowel syndrome so testing should be done.

There are three different tests that are typically used by a physician to test for lactose intolerance based on the patient’s age and the acuteness of the symptoms.  Most doctors will recommend an abstinence from foods containing lactose for a period of time first to see if the symptoms disappear.  If the physician decides to go ahead and test for lactose intolerance, he will more than likely choose one of these three testing methods:

The Lactose Tolerance test: The patient will be asked to fast for several hours prior to the test to insure that their bloodstream is clear of any lactose or other contaminants.  They will then be given a drink that is laden with lactose.  Over the next 2 hours several blood samples will be taken to measure the amount of glucose they contain.  The normal body breaks down the lactose into glucose within the liver and the blood glucose level rises.  If the blood glucose level does not rise then the body is not digesting the lactose and lactose intolerance is diagnosed.

The Hydrogen Breath test: If lactose is not broken down in the intestines properly it tends to ferment and produce various gases of which hydrogen is one of the most easily measured.  For this test the patient is give a drink that contains a large dose of lactose to consume.  At regular intervals their breath is measured to see how much hydrogen it contains.  Raised levels of hydrogen result in a diagnosis of lactose intolerance.  This test is not generally used on small children due to the risks associated with high doses of lactose.

Stool Acidity test: This test is usually done on small children and babies as opposed to the hydrogen or blood test to reduce the risks associated with the other types of testing.  In the lactose intolerant person the undigested lactose ferments in the intestines and creates lactic acid and a host of other fatty acids.  By measuring the acids found in a stool sample physicians can diagnose lactose intolerance.

The best way to find out whether or not you suffer from lactose intolerance is to have yourself tested by your doctor.  However if you do not wish to have yourself tested or are unable to for any reason, then it is highly recommended that you try the abstinence test for yourself and see if the symptoms go away.