Is my GP right?

[rainbowinthesky]

He said there is no test to see if a person is lactose intolerant yet I have read of them on the internet.

An intolerance would not show up on an allergy test. Lactose intolerance generally only affects the gut too, so no 'whole body' response.

These NICE guidelines explain why some tests you see online are s sham at best and dangerous at worst. Also explains what can be used as a test and the test's limitations. guidance.nice.org.uk/CG116

There is no test as such, the only way to diagnose lactose intolerance is to follow an elimination diet and see if your symptoms disappear.

Not true, there is a hydrogen breath test for lactose intolerance plus a blood glucose test can be used too: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003500.htm
However, most health professionals recommend an elimination diet and keeping a detailed food diary (saves the NHS money).

Thanks. I had read about the breath test.

Bumping for evening crowd.

Final bump.

Just to add that hydrogen breath tests are available on the NHS and I do know that some patients are offered them but whether or not you can get your LHB to agree to it is another matter!

Happy to pay if necessary just want to find out!

I've had the breath test so yes GP is wrong.

I did the elimination diet & narrowed it down but wasn't happy to cut lactose out of my diet unnecessarily as it's pretty limiting.

Did have to push for it though. My GI doc organised it for me, may be the GP js just unaware.

Thanks. Dd is already on a non irritating diet plus no fruit so dont want to eliminate anything else without knowing for sure. She has a Gastroenterologist but no appointment for a couple of weeks.