Summary about Disease
Lactose intolerance is the inability to fully digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. This results in digestive symptoms such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea after consuming dairy. It's a common condition, and the severity of symptoms varies from person to person. It is not an allergy.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
Diarrhea
Nausea, sometimes vomiting
Stomach cramps
Bloating
Gas
Causes
Lactose intolerance is caused by a deficiency of lactase, an enzyme produced in the small intestine. Lactase breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose, which can then be absorbed into the bloodstream. Lactase deficiency can be caused by:
Primary lactose intolerance: This is the most common type and is caused by a gradual decline in lactase production as people age.
Secondary lactose intolerance: This occurs when the small intestine is damaged by illness, injury, or surgery.
Congenital lactose intolerance: This is a rare genetic condition in which babies are born with very little or no lactase.
Developmental lactose intolerance: This occurs in premature babies whose small intestines haven't fully developed.
Medicine Used
Lactase enzyme supplements: These supplements contain lactase enzyme, which helps to digest lactose. They are taken before consuming dairy products.
There are no prescription medications that treat lactose intolerance itself. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and avoiding lactose.
Is Communicable
No, lactose intolerance is not communicable. It is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Limit dairy intake: Experiment to find the amount of dairy you can tolerate without experiencing symptoms.
Choose lactose-reduced or lactose-free products: These products are available in many supermarkets.
Read food labels carefully: Lactose can be found in unexpected places, such as breads, cereals, and processed foods.
Take lactase supplements: Use these supplements before consuming dairy products to aid digestion.
Consume smaller servings of dairy: Smaller amounts are often better tolerated than larger portions.
Combine dairy with other foods: This can slow down digestion and reduce symptoms.
How long does an outbreak last?
Symptoms typically appear 30 minutes to two hours after consuming lactose and usually resolve within a few hours, depending on the amount of lactose consumed and the individual's sensitivity. There is no "outbreak" in the sense of an infectious disease. Symptoms last as long as the lactose is present in the digestive system.
How is it diagnosed?
Lactose tolerance test: This test measures the level of glucose in your blood after consuming a lactose-containing liquid.
Hydrogen breath test: This test measures the amount of hydrogen in your breath after consuming a lactose-containing liquid. Increased hydrogen indicates that lactose is not being properly digested.
Stool acidity test: This test is used for infants and children who cannot undergo other tests. It measures the acidity of the stool, which can be increased if lactose is not being digested.
Elimination and reintroduction: A doctor may suggest removing lactose from the diet for a period of time to see if symptoms improve, and then reintroducing it to observe if symptoms return.
Timeline of Symptoms
Symptoms typically begin 30 minutes to 2 hours after consuming foods or beverages containing lactose. The duration of symptoms can vary depending on the amount of lactose consumed and the individual's sensitivity, but they generally last for a few hours.
Important Considerations
Lactose intolerance is different from a milk allergy. Milk allergy is an immune response to milk proteins, while lactose intolerance is a digestive issue caused by a lactase deficiency.
Most people with lactose intolerance can tolerate small amounts of lactose.
Lactose intolerance does not cause long-term damage to the digestive system.
It is important to ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, as dairy products are a major source of these nutrients. Consider calcium and vitamin D supplements if dairy intake is significantly reduced.