MedicineNet

Lactose Tolerance Test Center - Billings, MT

Billings Gastroenterologist Doctors for Lactose Tolerance Test

Type of Physician: Gastroenterologist

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; practitioners focus on the stomach, intestines, colon, liver, and gallbladder (digestive organs). The gastroenterologist treats conditions such as abdominal pain, ulcers, diarrhea, cancer, and jaundice and they consult with surgeons when abdominal operations are indicated.

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Common Name: GI Doctor

Gastroenterologist Doctors in Billings *

Deaconess Billings Clinic Gastroenterology
Mark Dell'Aglio
2825 8th Ave N
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 238-2500

Deaconess Billings Clinic Gastroenterology
Michael C Fischer
2825 8th Ave N
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 238-2500

Deaconess Billings Clinic Gastroenterology
Steven W Hammond
2825 8th Ave N
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 238-2500

Deaconess Billings Clinic Gastroenterology
Mark Rumans
2825 8th Ave N
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 238-2500

Deaconess Billings Clinic Gastroenterology
Bradley Zins
2825 8th Ave N
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 238-2500

Billings Gastroenterology Associates
Stephen Baum
2900 12th Ave N
STE STE 500E
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 238-6380

Billings Gastroenterology Associates
Nina Tomaszewski
2900 12th Ave N
STE STE 500E
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 238-6380

Billings, Montana

Upcoming Local Events

2012-06-09
Mason's Mountain Run
Red Lodge, Montana
2012-06-17
The Virtual Father's Day Run - Billings
Throughout Billings, Montana
2012-06-17
Clydehurst Christian Ranch
Billings, Montana
2012-06-23
2012-09-01
2012-11-11
World Run Day 2012 Registration - Billings
Throughout Billings, Montana

Lactose Tolerance Test

What is the lactose tolerance test?

The lactose tolerance test is a test for diagnosing an intolerance of ingested lactose. Lactose intolerance is a genetic condition in which individuals are unable to digest and absorb the lactose sugar in cow's milk.

What is lactose intolerance?

Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest the sugar in milk, lactose. Milk is an important source of nutrition for children and even some adults. With normal lactose tolerance, all of the lactose is broken down (digested) in the intestine by an enzyme into two smaller sugars (galactose and glucose) which then are absorbed into the body. As a result, normally no lactose reaches the colon.

On the other hand, in individuals with lactose intolerance who lack the intestinal enzyme that breaks down the lactose, the ingested lactose is neither digested nor absorbed in the small intestine and reaches the colon where it is used by the bacteria in the colon. The bacteria produce chemicals that cause diarrhea, and also produce gas. Abdominal pain also may occur.

How is the lactose tolerance test done?

The lactose tolerance test requires an individual to drink a liquid that contains lactose. In the small intestine among lactose tolerant individuals, the ingested lactose is split into galactose and glucose which then are absorbed from the intestine and go into the blood. Several blood samples are taken over a two hour period following the ingestion of the lactose to measure the blood glucose level. If lactose tolerance is normal, the glucose level in the blood rises due to the absorption of glucose from the intestine. If there is lactose intolerance, the glucose level does not rise.

What other tests can detect lactose intolerance?

Other tests used to detect lactose intolerance include the lactose hydrogen breath test and stool acidity te...

Recommended Reading Related to Lactose Tolerance Test

Lactose Intolerance »

What is lactose intolerance?

Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest and absorb lactose (the sugar in milk) that results in gastrointestinal symptoms when milk or food products containing milk are consumed.

What causes lactose intolerance?

Lactose is a large sugar molecule that is made up of two smaller sugars, glucose and galactose. In order for lactose to be absorbed from the intestine and into the body, it must first be split into glucose and galactose. The glucose and galactose are then absorbed by the cells lining the small intestine. The enzyme that splits lactose into glucose and galactose is called lactase, and it is located on the surface of the cells lining the small intestine.

Lactose intolerance is caused by reduced or absent activity of lactase that prevents the splitting of lactose (lactase deficiency). Lactase deficiency may occur for one of three reasons, congenital, secondary or developmental.

...

Emergency Contact for Billings

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Billings Hospitals *

Deaconess Billings Clinic
2800 10th Ave N
Billings, MT 59101
(406)657-4000

St Vincent Healthcare
1233 N 30th St
Billings, MT 59101
(406)237-7000

*Provider Directory Terms of Use:

The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval.

You are prohibited from using, downloading, republishing, selling, duplicating, or "scraping" for commercial or any other purpose whatsoever, the Provider Directory or any of the data listings or other information contained therein, in whole or in part, in any medium whatsoever.

The Provider Directory is provided on an "AS-IS" basis. WebMD disclaims all warranties, either express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for particular purpose. Without limiting the foregoing, WebMD does not warrant or represent that the Provider Directory or any part thereof is accurate or complete. You assume full responsibility for the communications with any Provider you contact through the Provider Directory. WebMD shall in no event be liable to you or to anyone for any decision made or action taken by you in the reliance on information provided in the Provider Directory.

The use of WebMD Provider Directory by any entity or individual to verify the credentials of Providers is prohibited. The database of Provider information which drives WebMD Provider Directory does not contain sufficient information with which to verify Provider credentials under the standards of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) of the Utilization Review Accreditation Committee (URAC).

By using the WebMD Provider Directory, you agree to these Terms and Conditions.