Diagnosis
In order to diagnose lactose intolerance, the doctor can carry out the so-called hydrogen breath test. After a twelve-hour fasting period, the patient then drinks lactose dissolved in water and then breathes into a specific device. If the enzyme lactase is missing, the lactose cannot be broken down and is broken down in the intestine by bacteria.
These bacteria produce hydrogen, which can be measured in the exhaled air. To detect a milk protein allergy, a so-called prick test can be carried out in which a drop of milk protein is applied to the skin and the skin is then lightly scratched. In the case of an existing allergy, a skin reaction by reddening and possible swelling and blistering can be seen after a short time. A blood test for certain antibodies against milk proteins can also lead to a diagnosis.
Treatment /What to do?
In the case of abdominal pain after milk consumption, the therapy can be carried out by changing the diet or substituting lactase, depending on the cause. The simplest form of treatment for lactose intolerance is to avoid products that contain lactose. Nowadays almost all foods can be bought without containing lactose.
However, most people with a lactose intolerance can still tolerate milk in small quantities. As long as they only consume small doses of dairy products, they often do not experience any symptoms. Here it is important to try out how much the body can tolerate.
If you have an existing milk protein allergy, you need to change your diet and, depending on the proteins you are allergic to, you should avoid some or all dairy products. Milk can be replaced by vegetable milk, such as oat milk, soy milk, coconut or rice milk. These alternatives to cow’s milk also help to meet the human body’s need for calcium.
Calcium is contained in milk in large quantities and is important for bone formation. If milk is not used in the context of lactose intolerance, care should be taken to cover the calcium requirement with other foods. A lot of calcium is contained in broccoli, spinach, kale and fruit.
Mineral water with a high calcium content is also available. Another possibility is to replace the enzyme lactase by taking capsules or powder. The preparation should be taken before consuming dairy products and it allows the milk taken with food to be digested in the intestines.
Probiotics can also be helpful in case of lactose intolerance. These are certain bacteria and fungi that are found in some foods, such as natural yoghurt, and can also digest lactose. If a mother has a congenital lactose intolerance, she should avoid dairy products while breastfeeding or use lactose-free milk preparations for the baby.
If the child has a milk protein allergy, avoiding foods containing milk is the first priority of the therapy. If the baby is still being breastfed, the mother should follow a strict diet. If the baby is not fed milk products, there is a risk, especially for children, that the calcium requirement will not be met.
Lactose-free milk also contains a lot of calcium – so if it is tolerated, there is no risk. Otherwise, broccoli, kale, almonds and bananas contain a lot of calcium. The child’s calcium supply should be checked regularly by a paediatrician.
