We all know the uncomfortable feeling of an upset stomach after a creamy scoop of ice cream or a tall glass of milk. But what if the cause behind that discomfort is more than an occasional indulgence? It could be a sign of something more serious – lactose intolerance. But how do you tell if you are in fact lactose intolerant? Surely enough, the best way to know for sure is to seek a professional diagnosis. In this article, we’ll explore the signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance – and how finding a professional diagnosis can help you get back to living life with ease!
1. Signs You Could Be Lactose Intolerant
Diarrhea
If you are experiencing diarrhea after consuming milk or dairy products, this is a sign that your body is having difficulty breaking down the lactose in the product. Diarrhea is a very common symptom of lactose intolerance and is usually the first sign that something’s not right—it’s your body’s way of trying to flush out the dairy products from your system.
Stomach Pain and Bloating
Not only do most people with lactose intolerance experience abdominal pain, they often also get a bloated feeling right after consuming milk products. If the bloated feeling persists for a few hours, this is a good indication that your body is having trouble digesting the lactose and may be a sign that you are lactose intolerant. Some common indicators of lactose intolerance can include:
- Nausea
- Gas
- Cramps
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
If these symptoms are particularly severe, it may be a sign that you are intolerant to dairy products. If you are concerned about the possibility that you might be lactose intolerant, it is best to discuss this with your doctor.
2. Exploring Professional Diagnosis Options
Once you’ve determined that you do need professional help, the next step is to explore different diagnosis options. With the ever growing array of mental health professionals, finding the right fit can undoubtedly be tricky. But, taking the time to compare various diagnoses, treatments, skills and philosophies, can be invaluable in finding the right match.
The first exploration should be considering different types of mental health professionals. You have the choice of a psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker, or counselor. These experts have specialized skills and training but differ in the services they provide. A psychologist helps in understanding behavior and thinking processes, a psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medication, a social worker offers help in adjusting to difficult situations and in advocating for services, and a counselor works on problem-solving skills with an emphasis on self-esteem. Using the knowledge of each type of professional, begin narrowing down options based on what you need and what resonates with you.
- Take the time to compare various diagnoses, treatments, skills and philosophies.
- Consider different types of mental health professionals.
- Know the services they provide.
- Narrow down options based on what you need and what resonates with you.
3. Making The Most Of Your Diagnostic Experience
Once you have booked your diagnostic appointment, the next step is to make the most of the experience. Here are a few simple tips to help ensure that your diagnostic session is as successful as possible:
- Write down your questions ahead of time. When you get to the appointment, it is often easy to forget many of the questions you have. Collect your thoughts before the appointment and make a list of all the questions you have for the doctor.
- Keep track of important information. During your appointment, your doctor may share important information with you about your condition or diagnosis. To ensure that you do not forget this information, keep a notebook handy to take notes.
- Bring a friend or family member. Having a friend or family member accompany you can be very helpful. Not only can they help remind you of important details and provide moral support, but they can also help you understand information that your doctor may provide.
- Be honest and open with your doctor. The more open and honest you are with your doctor, the more helpful they can be with their diagnosis and providing treatment options.
Your diagnostic appointment doesn’t need to be a stressful experience. With some careful preparation and by following the tips above, you can make the most of your appointment and get the answers you need. Good luck!
4. Taking The Next Steps After Diagnosis
So you’ve been given a diagnosis – now what? Though it can be overwhelming to take this step, it’s important to remember that you are now armed with the knowledge and tools you need to make informed choices and improve your quality of life. Here’s how to proceed:
Learn About Your Condition: Becoming more informed is always the first step. Research the types of treatments available, and see which are best-suited for your situation. Talk with your doctor about lifestyle modifications and medications that could help your symptoms and conditions. Additionally, there are plenty of online resources to help keep you up-to-date on the latest treatments and advances.
Set Goals & Get Support: Once you have an understanding of your diagnosis, turn it into a plan that is both achievable and tailored to your needs. Having the right people to help you accomplish your goals is crucial — look to friends and family for emotional support, and find healthcare professionals and support groups to assist and encourage you. Remember that you are never alone – there is always help available.
If you take the time to learn how to tell if you are lactose intolerant, you are taking an important step in your own health journey. If you suspect that you are lactose intolerant, it is wise to seek a professional diagnosis in order to get a full picture of your health and ensure you get the digestive support you need. With that knowledge, you’re sure to achieve just the right balance of healthy, delicious nutrition.
When it comes to determining whether or not you are lactose intolerant, it is important to have a professional diagnosis. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and flatulence. These symptoms can be caused by other medical conditions and therefore you should always get an accurate diagnosis.
If you think you may be lactose intolerant, you should visit your doctor and talk about your concerns. A doctor can provide you with a physical examination, as well as blood and breath tests that can detect the presence of lactase. Lactase is an enzyme that helps break down lactose, a type of sugar found in milk and other dairy products. If you are deficient in lactase, it could lead to lactose intolerance.
Your doctor may also suggest an elimination diet in which you would avoid all dairy products for a certain period of time — usually two to three weeks — and then slowly reintroduce them. This will give you a clearer picture of any allergic reaction that may occur in response to the lactose in these products.
Finally, you may be able to confirm your diagnosis with a hydrogen breath test. This test involves drinking a solution that contains a higher level of lactose than is typically found in food. If lactose intolerance is present, the excess lactose will be broken down in your digestive system and the test will measure the levels of hydrogen in your breath. An increased level of hydrogen indicates that lactose intolerance is present.
Seeking professional diagnosis is key to determining if you are lactose intolerant. To ensure accurate results, be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully, as well as any dietary changes that may be suggested. Failing to do so could lead to inaccurate test results. With a proper diagnosis, you can then developed a dietary plan that can help you manage your condition and avoid any unpleasant symptoms.