Diagnosis of lactose intolerance | Diarrhoea after milk – Is there a lactose intolerance behind it?

Diagnosis of lactose intolerance

If diarrhea symptoms occur only once after milk consumption, further diagnostic measures are usually not necessary. The typical symptomatology, i.e. the recurring occurrence of gastrointestinal problems after consumption of milk products, is the main criterion for a diagnosis of lactose intolerance. To confirm the diagnosis, a so-called H2 breath test can be performed.

In this test the patient ingests a certain amount of lactose. After certain time intervals, the hydrogen concentration in the patient’s breath is measured. If the value is above the normal value, this indicates – in combination with the clinical symptoms – lactose intolerance.

Treatment for lactose intolerance

If diarrhea episodes occur permanently after milk consumption, the presence of lactose intolerance is relatively likely. If such a lactose intolerance is present, the diet must be changed accordingly. It varies from person to person how much lactose he or she can still tolerate – despite the presence of lactose intolerance.Some people suffer from gastro-intestinal problems such as diarrhoea even after ingesting very small amounts, while others are symptom-free after ingesting smaller amounts of lactose.

It must therefore be tried out individually how much lactose-containing food the body can tolerate. Lactose is found in milk and dairy products (yoghurt, buttermilk, cream, crème fraiche, butter, powdered milk, ice cream, chocolate, nut nougat cream, quark, cream cheese, various types of cheese). However, the lactose content varies greatly; for example, hard cheeses have a lower lactose content than soft cheeses.

Lactose is also frequently contained in baked goods, cakes, pastries and even in finished products. Those affected must therefore first learn to deal with the ingredients and the amounts of lactose in different foods. They should switch to a diet that is as low in lactose as possible.

Nowadays there are numerous lactose-free products available, for example lactose-free cream and milk or chocolate. This makes the change of diet easier. The enzyme lactase can also be taken in tablet form.

The tablets are available without a prescription in pharmacies or drugstores. Taken before a – lactose-containing – meal, they can significantly suppress the unpleasant symptoms. The therapeutic approach, however, is not to take lactase tablets permanently, but primarily to change your diet to a diet low in lactose.