Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is the inability of the body to break down and absorb lactose, the main sugar found in dairy products. This occurs due to a partial or complete deficiency of the enzyme lactase, which is responsible for breaking down lactose in the small intestine. This enzyme splits lactose into glucose and galactose, which are then absorbed by the intestinal mucosa.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance usually appear 30 minutes to 2 hours after consuming dairy products and include bloating, abdominal pain and cramps, diarrhea, and nausea. The diagnosis of lactose intolerance involves various methods to determine whether the body can properly break down lactose.
At our gastroenterology clinic, a special test is performed that accurately detects partial or complete lactose intolerance through the examination of a small tissue sample taken from the duodenal mucosa during a gastroscopy.
Non-invasive methods for excluding lactose intolerance include the breath test. The patient consumes a drink containing lactose, and then we measure the hydrogen level in the exhaled air at regular intervals. If the hydrogen levels are elevated, it indicates that lactose is not being properly broken down, and gases are being produced by bacteria in the colon.
Fructose Intolerance
Fructose intolerance is a condition where the body cannot properly absorb fructose. Fructose is a natural sugar found in fruits, vegetables, and sweeteners such as honey and high-fructose corn syrup.
Types of Fructose Intolerance:
- Dietary Fructose Intolerance: This occurs when the small intestine cannot effectively absorb fructose.
- Hereditary Fructose Intolerance: This is a rare genetic disorder in which the enzyme aldolase B, which is necessary for breaking down fructose in the liver, is absent.
In the case of dietary fructose intolerance, patients experience symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
In hereditary fructose intolerance, consuming fructose can cause severe symptoms such as hypoglycemia, liver and kidney damage, and can be life-threatening if not treated properly.
The breath test for fructose intolerance measures hydrogen levels in breath samples and serves as a diagnostic tool for identifying this condition and guiding dietary modifications.
The breath test for fructose intolerance is based on the fermentation of fructose by bacteria in the colon, producing hydrogen gas as a byproduct. This excess hydrogen is absorbed into the bloodstream and exhaled through the lungs, where it can be detected and measured in breath samples.
Stool Test for Helicobacter Pylori
The stool test for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a non-invasive diagnostic test used to detect the presence of the H. pylori bacteria in the digestive system.
H. pylori is a bacterium that can cause infections in the stomach and is associated with conditions such as peptic ulcers and gastritis. In some cases, infection with this bacterium can increase the risk of developing stomach cancer.
The stool test for H. pylori involves collecting a stool sample, which is then examined for the presence of the bacterium’s antigens. For accurate test results, the patient may need to stop using certain medications, such as antibiotics or antacids, which could affect the test outcome.
This test is highly reliable for diagnosing H. pylori infection. Based on the test result, appropriate treatment will follow.
