Lactose Intolerance Test Mumbai​

Living with dairy discomfort and unsure how to manage it? Don’t worry this guide got you covered. Managing lactose intolerance doesn’t mean you have to quit all your favourite foods. This article will explore the practical ways to manage and treat this common digestive problem.

Lactose intolerance is the inability of a person to digest lactose-rich food products or milk and dairy-based products due to the deficiency responsible for the breaking of lactose in the digestive tract. Although the condition is not a harmful health anomaly, it can lead to uncomfortable symptoms such as bloating, diarrhoea, and gas, significantly impacting daily life and eating habits.

These uncomfortable symptoms and gastric issues need proper management and treatment to stay healthy and active in day-to-day life. This is where Gleneagles Hospital and its expertise can make a huge difference in your life, making it discomfort-free from the issues of lactose intolerance. 
 

Lactose intolerance is a disorder that occurs as a result of the body's failure to digest lactose, a sugar contained in milk. The body digests lactose with the help of an enzyme known as lactase, which is secreted in the small intestine. If the body fails to secrete sufficient lactase, lactose cannot be well absorbed and ends up in the colon undigested, leading to digestive distress. Note that lactose intolerance is not the same as milk allergy, which is a condition arising from the immune system of the body.

Lactose intolerance can be divided into three primary types on the basis of the cause of the illness. These three types of diary discomfort include:

• Primary Lactose Intolerance: This is the type of lactose intolerance typically caused by increasing age. The most common type is in which the body tends to produce less amount of lactase enzyme which leads to lactose intolerance. The primary LI is largely caused by genetic transfer of disease.
• Secondary Lactose Intolerance: Secondary lactose intolerance is caused by any illness or injury to the small intestine that can potentially affect lactase secretion in the body. Illnesses like Crohn's disease and celiac disease can significantly decrease the amount of lactase production, resulting in lactose intolerance.
• Congenital Lactose Intolerance: As the name suggests, congenital Lactose Intolerance is inherited dairy discomfort, meaning the individual is born with the inability to produce lactase. It is a rare condition and is diagnosed early in life.
• Developmental Lactose Intolerance: When a child is born premature, this condition can affect such babies due to incomplete development of the small intestine. 

As mentioned previously, lactose intolerance is caused by below-par production of lactase than required. But the causes of this decreased production of lactase are as follows:  
 

• Genetics: Genetics is one of the most prevalent causes of lactose intolerance. People of East Asia, Africa, or Native American descent are most likely to experience a decrease in lactase production over time.
• Age: With the increase in age, the body of many tends to release less lactase, which leads to gastric problems such as lactose intolerance.
• Injury or Disease: Infections, injuries, or any other diseases can significantly affect the small intestine by affecting the cells of the small intestine, which produce lactase, which in turn results in the person suffering from lactose intolerance.  
• Geographical Location or Ethnicity: Ethnic groups of East Asian, African, Native American, and South Asian descent are more likely to be affected with lactose intolerance. This is due to the lack of dairy farming and consumption of milk in these regions, leading to a natural reduction of lactase secretion. 

In this condition, the symptoms of lactose intolerance will start to appear within 30 minutes to 2 hours and can vary from person to person. These symptoms include: 
 

• Bloating: In this symptom, the abdomen feels full or swollen up.
• Gas: Excessive passing of gas, also known as belching.
• Diarrhea: Loose stool with a lot of water.
• Stomach Cramps or Pain: Discomfort or sharp pain in the abdomen.
• Nausea: In some cases, people also complain of feeling nauseous leading to vomiting. 

Early detection of lactose intolerance can help an individual manage its symptoms before it gets worse. Hence, if you suspect any symptoms of lactose intolerance, follow a proper diagnosis from a trusted hospital. The most common lactose intolerance test Mumbai methods conducted by the hospital or clinic are: 

• Hydrogen Breath Test: This test is done after consuming a lactose-rich drink, and collecting your breath after consumption as a sample. If you are lactose intolerant, then the lactose will ferment in the colon due to improper digestion of lactose, which results in the production of hydrogen. This hydrogen causes an increase in the levels of hydrogen, which suggests lactose intolerance.
• Acid in Stool Test: This is a test commonly used for infants. It works on the principle that when the lactose is not digested properly, it produces acid that can be detected in a stool sample.
• Blood Sugar Test: This test is done after consuming a lactose drink. If the levels of blood sugar do not increase, it shows improper digestion of lactose in the small intestine. 
   

Although there are no cure or complete treatment plans for lactose intolerance, there still are lactose intolerance treatment options that can significantly help in managing symptoms of this gastric issue: 

• Lactase Supplements: These are over-the-counter dietary supplements that have the lactase enzyme, which dissolves lactose. Taking these supplements before eating dairy prevents the uncomfortable symptoms of lactose intolerance.
• Lactose-Free Dairy Products: There are plenty of lactose-free dairy products available today, such as milk, yoghurt, and cheese. These products have the lactose either removed or broken down, so you can enjoy them without causing any symptoms.
• Probiotics: Some studies indicate that probiotics, which are good bacteria, may enhance digestion and relieve lactose intolerance symptoms. Probiotics are present in foods that have been fermented, such as yoghurt, kefir, or as supplements.
• Gradual Lactose Introduction: Some people can digest small amounts of lactose without provoking symptoms. Gradually reintroducing dairy products in small amounts into your diet can assist you in finding out your tolerance level.
• Dietary Changes: Lactose-containing foods should be avoided. You may replace dairy products with non-dairy products such as almond milk, soy milk, and oat milk, which are lactose-free by nature.

Lactose intolerance in Mumbai is more common than people may think. India is a country with vivid landscapes, and hence, people also differ on this basis. In fact, the percentage of lactose intolerant people also differs based on the landscape in India. According to recent studies, on average, 66.6% of people in south India are affected with lactose intolerance, while this percentage dips to only 27.4% in parts of Northern India.

Despite such a high percentage of lactose intolerant people, dairy products remain an essential part of the Indian diet, making it essential to the availability of lactose-free dairy products in India. The good thing is that the number of such products has recently increased significantly. 
 

Lactose intolerance and its management have been the biggest problem in recent times, hence, choosing a specialised hospital has become a great need. Gleneagles Hospital stands out as the best hospital for this gastric issue. Here are some of the most common reasons why people of Mumbai are more inclined towards this famous healthcare institution: 
 

• Expert care and treatment options from the most experienced faculties.
• The option of consultation with the best doctors online with telemedicine.
• A personalised treatment plan is created for every patient to fit the needs of a particular person.
• Gleneagles Hospital is equipped with modern and state-of-the art infrastructure according to international standards.
• Advanced diagnostic tools and technology in the laboratory for precise lactose intolerance test Mumbai.