Re: Re: Test to Differentiate Causes of Lactose Intolerance
Hi Annie,Iam very interested in this article.I am often sick on milk and always was also fats or iols seem not to digest properly.When I was achild I was given some sort if enzyme peppermint powder mixture because i was diagnosed with mal absoption I was not diagnosed with coeliacs though they did alot of operations to me until I was 46.I have heard of some coeliacs taking enzyme Q10 which is ment to help digetion.I Just take supplements of viamins and iron tablets which are labelled gluten free.I stick to the diet and my rash is not so bad but like you Annie I get the bloating ,wind and constipation.May be we both have IBS too.Iknow we are all different slightly but it does seem that there are links to all these different bowel diseases and troubles.I am only a modest drinkerbut I do think that St Paul was right alittle wine for thy stomaches sake and thy oftime infirmities.It also somewhat helps constipation when I have a Half Of cider.I wish these tests for lactose intolerance were available to all coeliacs.I suppose I will have to do what I am told my doctor is sending me for a second opinion about My rash truthis I know It is D.H. because it cleared up on the dapsone and the sulphapyridine,almost down to a few spots here and there.I also am bothered with them in my scalp and they crust as described by Kim.I prefer eating rice cakes to bread in summer and have found Asda is very very good for gluten free products.Thankyou for all your help Annie you are an angel and I think you know as much as the top specialists do in D.H. You know I said I sometimes get black outs well I Asked Jeeves about enzyme deficiencies in Coeliac Disease and it came up with lots of infomation about epilepsy and neurological disorders also headaches in chidren and adults with coliac disease you can get damaged to the cerebellum and white brain lesions and occipital calcifications surely that will make me stay on the diet!I am not very good on the computer but ASK JEEVES about enzyme malabsorption in Coeliac Disease. Susie Wonder IF poor ST. PAul Was a COeliac Thorn in the flesh COuld have been that was it...
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What a great test.
It sounds a less troublesome way of diagnosing lactose intolerance than fasting etc.
SAN DIEGO, May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Prometheus Laboratories Inc. today announced that it is introducing the first genetic test to help physicians identify a specific genetic cause of lactose intolerance in their patients. This allows the physician to tailor the patient's treatment based upon the underlying cause of the disorder. The test, PRO-GenoLogix(SM) Lactose Intolerance, is being launched at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) in Orlando, Florida, May 17 to May 22, 2003.
"We are excited to introduce the first genetic test to aid in the diagnosis of lactose intolerance," said James A. Schoeneck, President & Chief Executive Officer at Prometheus. "PRO-GenoLogix Lactose Intolerance will allow physicians to individualize treatment of their patients by discerning whether a patient has a genetic basis for lactose intolerance or if their symptoms are related to another disease or disorder."
This highly-specific, proprietary genetic test identifies patients with a certain genetic marker that is associated with lower than normal levels of the lactase enzyme. Without sufficient lactase, the patient is unable to break down lactose, the predominant sugar found in milk and other dairy products. This results in lactose intolerance symptoms such as nausea, cramps, bloating, gas and diarrhea. However, many other diseases, such as irritable bowel disease (IBD) and celiac disease, can present with these same symptoms. Improperly diagnosed and unmanaged, these diseases can lead to serious complications. Until now, diagnostic methods used to detect lactose intolerance could not determine the underlying cause, making it difficult for physicians to customize critical patient treatment.
"This genetic test will be especially helpful in differentiating genetic lactose intolerance from other diseases with overlapping symptoms thus eliminating confusion in the diagnostic work-up and therapeutic plan," stated David T. Rubin, M.D., Assistant Professor of Medicine, Director of Clinical Education for Gastroenterology, University of Chicago. "In addition, this simple, yet accurate blood test, does not require patients to undergo fasting, dietary restrictions or lengthy sample collection and, therefore, will likely be better tolerated by patients."
Between 30 and 50 million Americans are lactose intolerant. Currently, no treatment exists to improve the body's ability to produce lactase, but symptoms can be controlled through diet and lactase enzyme supplements.
