Services
Endoscopy Services
Hydrogen Breath Test
The hydrogen breath test will show marked differences between normal individuals and those with lactose malabsorption. The test is particularly useful in children, being neither invasive nor unpleasant.
A drink of lactose in water is given. Breath samples are taken at 30-minute intervals by with the patient exhaling through plastic tubing into a syringe. Samples are taken for at least two hours, during which period the patient must not exercise, smoke or hyperventilate, as these factors can influence breath hydrogen concentrations.
The treatment for lactose intolerance is simply to avoid milk or milk products. Food stuffs in which lactose has already been fermented, such as yogurt or cheese can be taken with no ill effects.