Lactose intolerance or lactose intolerance is the inability of a person to digest lactose. Lactose is a type of sugar found in milk and milk products. Food digestion and absorption of nutrients occur in the small intestine to produce an enzyme called lactase. Lactase breaks down lactose into two simpler forms of sugar: glucose and galactose. The body then absorbs this simple sugar into the bloodstream.
How common is Lactose Intolerance (lactose intolerance)?
Lactose intolerance is common. Anyone can experience it, but this condition is more common in Africa, America, Asia, and Mexico. This condition also often occurs in children. People who are intolerant of lactose need to control their lactose intake but consumption of dairy products is not taboo.
Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of Lactose Intolerance (lactose intolerance)?
Symptoms of lactose intolerance occur within a period of 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating dairy products, these symptoms include:
- Stomach ache
- Cramps
- Bloated
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Removing gas
- Felt hurt
- Rumbling sounds in the stomach
Children have slightly different symptoms:
- Foamy diarrhea
- Itchy rash
- Slowing growth and development
- Sometimes vomiting
There may be signs and symptoms not mentioned above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have the above signs or symptoms or other questions, consult your doctor. Each person's body is different. Always consult a doctor to deal with your health condition.
Cause
What causes Lactose intolerance (lactose intolerance)?
The cause of lactose intolerance is not having enough lactase enzymes.
Primary lactose intolerance.
This type develops in people who have been able to fully digest lactose. This condition is the most common type. Almost all babies produce enough lactase to digest lactose as a whole that is found in milk and formulas for babies. However, in some circumstances after consumption is stopped, most children in the world begin to produce less lactase. Most people who experience primary lactose intolerance can consume some dairy products without the appearance of symptoms.
Secondary lactose intolerance.
This type is a result of damage to the intestine, such as severe illness.
Congenital lactose intolerance.
Babies born with this rare condition cannot produce lactase at all. Doctors usually diagnose secondary lactose intolerance with congenital lactose intolerance during the baby's birth.
Risk factors
What increases my risk for lactose intolerance (lactose intolerance)?
Certain factors that increase your risk of experiencing lactose intolerance are:
- Increasing age. Lactose intolerance usually appears in adulthood. But it can also appear in infants and children
- Ethnicity. Lactose intolerance is most common in people from Africa, Asia, Spain and America, and of Indian descent
- Premature birth. Babies born prematurely experience a lack of lactase because the small intestine has not formed cells that produce lactase until the end of the third trimester
- Diseases of the small intestine. Small bowel problems that can cause lactose intolerance include excessive bacterial growth, celiac disease and Crohn's disease
- Certain cancer treatments. If you have done radiation therapy for cancer of the stomach or have intestinal complications due to chemotherapy, then you have a higher risk of lactose intolerance
Medicine & Medicine
What are my treatment options for Lactose Intolerance (lactose intolerance)?
Babies and children should not eat foods that contain lactose. Older children and adults usually do not have to avoid lactose completely but must know the amount they can consume based on symptoms that appear after ingestion of lactose. Taking calcium pills and vitamin D pills may be needed to replace nutrients from milk. Calcium is very important for children, adolescents, and pregnant and lactating mothers, as well as post-menopausal women. Eat foods that are rich in calcium, such as shrimp, broccoli, and green leafy vegetables, rather than just taking calcium pills. Lactase enzymes (drops or chews) available on the market can be used. Drop enzymes can be added to milk. Chewable tablets can help digest solid foods.
Symptoms will disappear within about 3 weeks after cessation of consumption of dairy products.
What are the usual tests for Lactose Intolerance?
The doctor will check the medical history and do a physical examination. Tests can be done to measure the absorption of lactose in the digestive tract. This test is a test of lactose tolerance, a lactose hydrogen test (the most accurate test), and a test of fecal acidity (for children). Small tissue samples (biopsies) may need to be taken from the intestine to be examined when the diagnosis cannot be concluded but this is rarely done.
Treatment at home
What are the lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to overcome Lactose intolerance (lactose intolerance)?
Here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with lactose intolerance:
- Eat enough calcium and vitamin D from food or supplements
- Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are using
- Consider again if you want to breastfeed your baby with formula milk, if you have a family history of lactose intolerance
- Consumption of soy based formula and not pure milk
- Call your doctor if a milk-free diet does not help relieve symptoms
- Call your doctor if your child's weight doesn't increase or your child refuses food or formula