Infantreflux.org | Lactose breath test

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June 20, 2008 at 1:36 pm #52821

Anonymous
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Has anyone ever heard about or had experience with the lactose breath hydrogen test? It is a test that looks for lactose intolerance.

I spoke with Seth’s GI about a possible milk allergy (even though he was skin tested and came back negative when he was 1 or so) because he still seems to have problems with reflux especially when he eats large amounts of ice cream and we still don’t do milk.

He said he honestly thinks he does not have an allergy because he seems to do fine with Pediasure which has milk proteins but is lactose free. He then mentioned lactose intolerance which he said would be rare at his age but we could do this test to rule it out. I was trying to figure out if it was worth our while to do it or not.

TIA.

Mom2Seth2008-06-20 13:43:35

June 21, 2008 at 5:00 pm #52862

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We did this last year with Sarah. She used to get really bad gas and stomach pains after drinking milk, and would have to run to the bathroom. She was also saying that her bum burned, which is apparently a sign. I don’t think that lactose intolerance typically manifests itself as reflux symptoms as much as GI symptoms- gas, bloating, diarrhea, cramps, burning poop- but I could be wrong.

The test was simple. Sarah had to drink a large cup of lactose drink. Then they took readings by sticking a small tube at her nostil and having her breathe with her mouth closed. She did this at 30 minute intervals for about 2 hours, then we went home. She was fine during the test, but on the drive home had stomach symptoms. Her test came back fine.

June 23, 2008 at 1:04 pm #52906

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Thanks Lori, that is interesting because Seth does tell me his poopy is “cold” and that it stings. He definitley errs more on the constipation side than diarreah though but I think the rice milk contributes a lot to that.

Glad Sarah checked out ok! You’ve really been through a lot with the girls!

June 23, 2008 at 2:05 pm #52918

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Tiffany I hope this test will give you some answers. If it turns out to be Lactose the good thing is Lactaid is so available these days that he should be okay. Have you tried using Lactaid to see if it helps? Might be worth a shot.

June 23, 2008 at 4:22 pm #52931

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Beth, that is a good idea. I have been trying to think of ways I could ‘test’ at home.

June 23, 2008 at 7:23 pm #52936

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Tiffany, skin prick allergy tests can be quite unreliable in little ones since often young children don’t have enough IgE antibodies to show a reaction to the prick. There have been documented cases where young children tested negative on a skin prick test, yet had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) upon ingestion of the same food.

Ben has lactose intolerance, and back when he was on milk products his symptoms were lower-GI related – primarily gas, bloating, discomfort.

June 25, 2008 at 7:01 am #52996

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I would probably have Seth re-tested for a milk allergy (skin prick) and also the lactose intolerance test. It is SO worth it to have answers. I thought my Baron was lactose intolerant for the longest time, but turns out he has a very strong milk allergy. We tried doing a test at home with Lactaid milk, but even then it was hard to tell….his nose started running, but then our whole family caught a cold, so I could never be sure. It is so nice to finally KNOW what we’re dealing with.
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