Laktóztoleranciateszt

Laktóztoleranciateszt, often referred to as a lactose intolerance test, is a medical procedure used to diagnose whether an individual has difficulty digesting lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. This intolerance arises from a deficiency in lactase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose into simpler sugars, glucose and galactose, which can then be absorbed by the body.

Several types of lactose intolerance tests exist. The most common is the hydrogen breath test. In this test, a person drinks a solution containing lactose. After a period, their breath is analyzed for hydrogen levels. Undigested lactose ferments in the colon, producing hydrogen gas, which is absorbed into the bloodstream and exhaled. Elevated hydrogen levels indicate lactose malabsorption.

Another method is the blood glucose test. After consuming a lactose-rich drink, blood glucose levels are measured at intervals. In a lactose-tolerant individual, blood glucose levels will rise as lactose is broken down and absorbed. A failure of blood glucose to rise significantly suggests lactose intolerance.

A stool acidity test can also be used, particularly for infants and young children. Undigested lactose ferments in the gut, producing lactic acid and other short-chain fatty acids, which lower the pH of the stool. A low stool pH can be indicative of lactose intolerance.

The choice of test often depends on the patient's age, medical history, and the suspected severity of the intolerance. These tests are crucial for identifying lactose intolerance, allowing for appropriate dietary management and relief of symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.