Breath Tests For Lactose Intolerance

BREATH TESTS FOR LACTOSE INTOLERANCE

A breath test is one of the most common and reliable ways to diagnose lactose intolerance. It measures hydrogen or methane gas in your breath after consuming lactose, indicating how well your body digests lactose.

Types of Breath Tests for Lactose Intolerance

1. Hydrogen Breath Test (HBT) – Measures hydrogen levels in the breath.
2. Methane Breath Test (MBT) – Measures methane levels in the breath.
3. Combined Hydrogen-Methane Breath Test – Measures both gases for a more comprehensive diagnosis.

How the Test Works

1. Fasting: You should not eat or drink anything (except water) for at least 8–12 hours before the test.
2. Baseline Breath Sample: You will blow into a special collection device to measure baseline gas levels.
3. Lactose Consumption: You drink a solution containing a set amount of lactose.
4. Breath Samples: At intervals (usually every 15–30 minutes for about 2–3 hours), you provide breath samples.
5. Results:
1.If hydrogen or methane levels rise significantly, it suggests lactose malabsorption (lactose is not being properly digested and is fermenting in the colon, producing gases).
2.If levels remain low, you likely tolerate lactose well.

A hydrogen breath test is a common way to diagnose lactose intolerance. It measures the amount of hydrogen in your breath after you drink a liquid with lactose. 

BREATH TESTS FOR LACTOSE INTOLERANCE

BREATH TESTS FOR LACTOSE INTOLERANCE

Accuracy & Limitations

1. Generally highly accurate but can be affected by recent antibiotic use, smoking, or certain gut conditions (like SIBO).
2. False positives or negatives can occur in individuals with altered gut microbiota.