Attention to those with weakness, nausea, and diarrhea symptoms... Diagnosis of lactose intolerance
On average, 25-30 grams of lactose are consumed daily. In cases where the activity of the lactase enzyme, which breaks down lactose, is reduced or absent, or where mucosal permeability is impaired, the lactose taken in through food is either not broken down at all, is broken down insufficiently, or cannot be absorbed. In this case, instead of entering the bloodstream, lactose remains in the intestine, where it is used by microorganisms present there to form short-chain fatty acids, producing more gas. The excess fatty acids formed increase intestinal movement, and the undigested lactose in the intestines draws more water into the intestinal cavity, causing the intestinal contents to become watery. As a result, the following symptoms emerge:
- Increased intestinal movement
- Gas
- Weakness
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Feeling of fullness in the abdomen
- Nausea
- Edema/bloating sensation
- Unformed stools
- Bloating
The severity of symptoms varies depending on the person's ability to tolerate lactose. The tolerance threshold varies from individual to individual, symptoms can present in many ways, and they generally begin within half an hour to 2 hours after lactose is consumed.
The terms "milk allergy" and "lactose intolerance" are often used interchangeably, which causes confusion. However, these are two conditions with entirely different causes, symptoms, target groups, and treatment methods:
"Food intolerance" refers to negative effects the body shows toward food or additives, related to digestion or metabolism, but in which the immune system does not participate. Lactose intolerance is the best example of this.
"Food allergy," on the other hand, is a reaction shown by the immune system against a substance or component in food, and this substance is generally a protein. The most common sources of food allergy in children are cow's milk, eggs, wheat, and soy. Milk allergy results from abnormal reactions shown by the immune system against proteins found in milk.
DIAGNOSIS OF LACTOSE INTOLERANCE
Diagnosis begins by listening to the patient, or to the mother in the case of infants. The history of a person with lactose intolerance is very typical. However, there are tests used to determine lactose absorption. These are:
Lactose tolerance test: After 12 hours of fasting, a liquid containing lactose is drunk. Blood samples are taken at 2-hour intervals. Galactose and glucose levels, which should rise in the blood following the absorption of lactose, are measured. If lactose is not fully broken down, the blood glucose level does not rise, and this indicates a need for treatment.
Hydrogen breath test: The amount of hydrogen in the breath a person exhales is measured. Normally, there is a very low amount of hydrogen in exhaled breath. When lactose is not digested, it is fermented by bacteria present in the large intestine. As a result, various gases, including hydrogen, are released. The hydrogen gas formed is absorbed from the intestines into the blood and expelled through the lungs. During the test, patients drink a lactose-containing liquid, and their exhaled breath is analyzed at regular intervals. A rising hydrogen level indicates that lactose digestion is impaired.
Stool acid test: Fermentation occurs in the intestines due to undigested lactose. In this case, it is natural for the intestines to accumulate lactic acid. Over time, this lactic acid is naturally expelled along with the stool. If the stool test detects a higher-than-normal amount of lactic acid in the stool, this suggests intolerance.
Electroacupuncture (Vegatest) and HRV systems (Reviquant): These are tests that can be checked through the blood and via HRV, and are the easiest to apply in practice.
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Hüseyin Nazlıkul