Lactose Breath Testing

What is lactose breath testing?

If you get bloating, gas, cramps, or diarrhea after milk, ice cream, or other dairy foods, you may have trouble digesting lactose, the natural sugar in dairy. A lactose breath test is a simple, painless way to find out. You drink a measured amount of lactose and breathe into a collection device at regular intervals over a few hours. When lactose is not digested properly, gas builds up and can be measured in your breath. Your doctor reviews the results with you and can help you plan a diet that fits. There are no needles involved.