How Do I Know if I Have Lactose Intolerance?

If you experience abdominal pain, bloating or gas after a meal, you may have wondered if you have lactose intolerance.

If you have, you’re not alone. In fact, nearly one in ten adults report having lactose intolerance, but that’s through self-diagnosis, which can be inaccurate. 

The problem with self-diagnosis is that lactose intolerance can vary from person to person, and the symptoms often associated with lactose intolerance, like those above, are actually quite similar to other digestive disorders. 

Consequently, the only way to officially know if you have lactose intolerance is to visit your doctor. Your doctor may suggest that you take either a Lactose Intolerance Test or a Hydrogen Breath Test. Both are reliable ways to make a diagnosis. 

Once you discover the true underlying cause of your discomfort, your doctor will be key in determining next steps.