Lactase deficiency in dyspeptic patients

A comparative study was carried out to compare prevalence of lactase deficiency among people with chronic non-specific dyspepsia and a normal population. A statistically higher prevalence in the former group was found. Fifty patients with positive results in the symptomatic group were put on a lactose-free diet. Complete relief was obtained in 10 patients and partial improvement in 16 more. The authors of this study recommend some type of lactose tolerance test for any patient with long-standing non-specific dyspepsia