BREATH TEST WITH LACTOSE
The Lactose Breath Test is the most reliable and cost-effective, non-invasive reference test for demonstrating lactose malabsorption. It is not enough to realize that you have symptoms after ingesting milk (diarrhea, bloating, flatulence, abdominal discomfort), because these can be due to both a poor digestion of lactose and an intolerance to milk proteins and the consequent diet can be very different.
The test measures the amount of hydrogen in the breath before and after the administration of 25 grams of lactose, a sugar present in milk and which in many subjects can be difficult to digest. Hydrogen is a harmless gas that is normally present in minimal quantities in our breath. This amount can increase in the gastrointestinal tract if there is poor absorption of lactose due to a deficiency of the specific enzyme (lactase).
The protocol of this examination is that provided for by the 2009 Rome Consensus Conference
To perform this test correctly, the patient must follow these guidelines:
1) AVOID ANTIBIOTICS AND EVACUATIVE LAXATIVES (PURGE OR PREPARATIONS FOR COLON EXAMINATIONS) IN THE 30 DAYS PRECEDING THE EXAMINATION
2) AVOID THE USE OF PROBIOTICS (LACTIC FERMENTS, YOGURT) IN THE 10 DAYS BEFORE THE EXAM
3) THE DAY BEFORE THE EXAM, AVOID CARBOHYDRATES (PASTA), BREAD, FRUIT, VEGETABLES, WINE AND OTHER BEVERAGES (ALCOHOLIC)
4) IN THE EVENING BEFORE THE EXAM, DINE WITH BOILED RICE, ROASTED MEAT (OR BOILED OR GRILLED), OR BOILED FISH, NATURAL WATER, USING ONLY OLIVE OIL FOR DRESSING
5) BRUSH YOUR TEETH AFTER DINNER AND IN THE MORNING BEFORE THE EXAM
6) BE ABSOLUTE FAST FOR AT LEAST 8/10 HOURS
7) DO NOT SMOKE FROM THE EVENING BEFORE
8) PRESENT YOURSELF ON THE ESTABLISHED DAY (The exam lasts 4 hours, with blows every 30 minutes)
9) RINSE YOUR MOUTH WITH THE MOUTHWASH PROVIDED BY THE LABORATORY
10) DURING THE WHOLE DURATION OF THE EXAM: DO NOT EAT, DO NOT SMOKE, DO NOT DRINK SPARKLING WATER. DO NOT DO PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES EXCEPT WALKING
11) AT THE TIME “0” (zero) 25gr OF LACTOSE IS ADMINISTERED IN 250 CC OF WATER. FOLLOW THE LABORATORY STAFF DIRECTIONS TO BLOW CORRECTLY INTO THE MOUTH.