Lactose Intolerance Breath Test in South Delhi
Dr. (Brig) Pankaj Puri offers hydrogen breath testing for lactose intolerance
at Fortis Escorts Liver and Digestive Diseases Institute, Okhla. This simple,
non-invasive test helps determine whether symptoms such as bloating, gas,
abdominal discomfort, or diarrhoea after consuming dairy products are caused by
poor lactose digestion.
A hydrogen breath test provides an accurate diagnosis without the need for
invasive procedures, allowing your gastroenterologist to recommend the most
appropriate dietary changes and treatment plan.
If you regularly experience digestive discomfort after milk, paneer, cheese,
ice cream, or other dairy products, this test can help identify whether lactose
intolerance is the underlying cause.
Signs You May Need This Test
Your gastroenterologist may recommend a lactose intolerance breath test if you repeatedly develop digestive symptoms after consuming dairy products.
Bloating After Dairy
Persistent bloating or abdominal fullness after drinking milk or eating dairy products.
Gas & Flatulence
Frequent gas or excessive flatulence after consuming dairy-based foods.
Diarrhoea
Loose stools or diarrhoea occurring soon after eating or drinking dairy products.
Abdominal Cramps
Cramping or stomach pain that develops after consuming lactose-containing foods.
Nausea
Feeling nauseated or uncomfortable after milk, cheese, ice cream, or similar foods.
Need an Accurate Diagnosis
Symptoms may also occur with IBS or milk protein allergy, making testing important for the correct diagnosis.
How the Test Works
A lactose intolerance breath test is a simple, safe, and non-invasive procedure that measures the amount of hydrogen in your breath after drinking a lactose solution. The test does not require needles, sedation, or any recovery time, making it a convenient way to diagnose lactose malabsorption.
- Arrive fasting, as instructed by your doctor
- A baseline breath sample is collected before the test
- You will drink a lactose solution
- Breath samples are collected at regular intervals over the next 2–3 hours
- Hydrogen levels are measured and compared with the baseline sample
Preparing for the Test
Proper preparation helps ensure accurate hydrogen breath test results. Your gastroenterologist will provide specific instructions based on your health and medications, but following the recommended preparation is important for a reliable diagnosis.
- Fast for the recommended number of hours before the test
- Avoid antibiotics and probiotics beforehand if advised
- Avoid high-fibre foods and slow-to-digest meals the evening before
- Inform your doctor about current medications or any recent illness
- Follow all preparation instructions provided by your gastroenterologist
What the Results Mean
The hydrogen breath test helps determine whether your body is able to digest and absorb lactose properly. Your gastroenterologist interprets the results together with your symptoms, medical history, and dietary pattern to make an accurate diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
- A significant rise in breath hydrogen usually indicates lactose malabsorption
- High hydrogen levels support a diagnosis of lactose intolerance
- Low hydrogen levels suggest symptoms may have another cause
- Further evaluation may be advised if lactose intolerance is ruled out
- Results are interpreted alongside your symptoms and medical history
- Your doctor will recommend the next steps based on the complete assessment
Why Patients Choose Dr. Pankaj Puri
Dr. (Brig) Pankaj Puri provides expert evaluation and management of lactose intolerance and other digestive disorders using advanced diagnostic facilities at Fortis Escorts Liver and Digestive Diseases Institute, Okhla. Every patient receives an evidence-based diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
- Director – Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Fortis Escorts Liver & Digestive Diseases Institute
- Decades of experience diagnosing digestive and food-intolerance disorders
- Advanced on-site hydrogen breath testing facilities
- Access to endoscopy, imaging, and laboratory services under one roof
- Personalized dietary advice based on confirmed test results
- Comprehensive follow-up care for long-term digestive health
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about the Lactose Intolerance Breath Test, including how it works, preparation, and what the results mean.
A lactose intolerance breath test is a non-invasive diagnostic test that measures hydrogen levels in your breath after you drink a lactose solution. It helps determine whether your body can properly digest lactose.
No. The test is completely non-invasive. It involves drinking a lactose solution and providing breath samples at regular intervals. There are no needles, injections, or sedation.
You will usually need to fast before the test and may be advised to avoid antibiotics, probiotics, and certain high-fibre foods beforehand. Your gastroenterologist will provide detailed preparation instructions.
A significant increase in breath hydrogen after drinking the lactose solution usually indicates lactose intolerance. Your gastroenterologist will interpret the results together with your symptoms and medical history to provide an accurate diagnosis.