Disease
Lactose Intolerance
Overview of Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is a common digestive condition where the body fails to digest lactose,
the natural sugar found in milk and dairy products. This happens due to a deficiency or absence of lactase,
the enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose in the small intestine. The condition leads to various gastrointestinal
symptoms after consuming dairy and can affect both children and adults.
Types of Lactose Intolerance
- Primary lactose intolerance: Most common type; develops gradually with age as lactase production decreases.
- Secondary lactose intolerance: Occurs due to injury or illness affecting the small intestine, such as celiac disease or gastroenteritis.
- Congenital lactose intolerance: Rare genetic form present from birth due to total absence of lactase enzyme.
- Developmental lactose intolerance: Seen in premature infants, usually temporary.
Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance
- Bloating, gas or cramps after consuming milk or cheese.
- Diarrhea or loose stools shortly after eating dairy.
- Nausea, sometimes accompanied by vomiting.
- Gurgling stomach and excessive flatulence.
- Abdominal pain and discomfort.
- Symptoms appear 30 minutes to 2 hours after consuming lactose-containing foods.
Causes of Lactose Intolerance
- Lack of lactase enzyme: Reduced or absent enzyme activity in the small intestine.
- Genetic factors: Inherited trait, more common in people of Asian, African and Native American descent.
- Intestinal damage: Diseases or infections that affect the small intestine lining.
- Surgery: Intestinal surgeries can reduce lactase production.
Complications in Lactose Intolerance
- Nutritional deficiencies due to avoiding dairy (calcium, vitamin D, protein).
- Bone health problems like osteoporosis.
- Chronic digestive discomfort if unmanaged.
- Social discomfort or dietary limitations impacting quality of life.
Risk Factors of Lactose Intolerance
- Aging increases risk as lactase production naturally decreases.
- Ethnicity: Higher risk in people of African, Asian, Hispanic or Native American descent.
- Premature birth can lead to temporary lactose intolerance.
- Gastrointestinal diseases increase risk, for example Crohn’s disease.
Preventions of Lactose Intolerance
While you can’t prevent the genetic type, you can manage it effectively:
- Use lactase supplements with dairy meals.
- Choose lactose-free or low-lactose dairy alternatives.
- Gradually reintroduce small amounts of dairy to test tolerance.
- Opt for yogurt or hard cheese with lower lactose content.
Diagnosis of Lactose Intolerance
- Lactose tolerance test: Measures blood glucose after lactose consumption.
- Hydrogen breath test: Detects hydrogen gas released from undigested lactose.
- Stool acidity test: Especially useful in infants and children.
- Symptom tracking: Through food diaries.
- Clinical evaluation: Based on medical history and ethnicity.
Treatments of Lactose Intolerance
- Avoid or limit foods containing lactose.
- Use lactase enzyme supplements before meals.
- Switch to lactose-free dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk.
- Probiotic-rich yogurt may be easier to tolerate.
- Calcium and vitamin D supplementation if dairy is avoided.
- Education and dietary planning for long-term care.
Prognosis of Lactose Intolerance
- Not life-threatening, but symptoms can disrupt daily life.
- With proper management, patients can lead a completely normal life.
- Early diagnosis and dietary control prevent complications.
- Children may outgrow temporary lactose intolerance.
Care at MyhealthMydoctor
Personalised Care for Lactose Intolerance
- Personalised dietary counseling to manage lactose intolerance.
- Collaboration with gastroenterologists and dietitians.
- Complete testing and diagnosis for accurate treatment.
- Nutritional support to ensure bone health and balanced nutrition.
- Safe international patient support for dietary needs.
Some Important Questions Patients Should Ask Their Doctor During a Consultation
- Can lactose intolerance go away over time?
- Is it different from a milk allergy?
- How do I know which foods have hidden lactose?
- What’s the best pill or supplement to take with dairy?
- Can I still eat cheese or yogurt?
- How will this affect my calcium intake?
What Patients Expect from Doctors During Consultation
- Clear explanation of lactose intolerance vs. dairy allergy.
- Non-invasive tests like the hydrogen breath test.
- Guidance on foods to avoid and safe dairy options.
- Recommendation of reliable lactose intolerance pills.
- Tips on reading food labels for hidden lactose.
- Advice on calcium-rich alternatives and supplements.
- Emotional reassurance and lifestyle tips.
- Help distinguishing intolerance symptoms from other GI issues.