Both types of intolerance have to do with an inability to digest lactose due to low lactase levels. Primary lactose intolerance is much more common than secondary lactose intolerance.
Acquired lactase deficiency is also possible. In these cases, individuals acquire lactose intolerance as they age. Lactose intolerance causes some easily recognizable symptoms. As a result, bacteria in the colon ferment the undigested lactose, causing a buildup of gas and water. For infants and children, both breast milk and milk-based formulas contain lactose.
If parents believe an infant might have a lactose intolerance, they should consult their pediatrician and consider eliminating dairy from diet if breastfeeding or switching to non-dairy infant formula. Sometimes lactose intolerance is confused for a milk allergy in young children, but being allergic to milk is a very different thing.
Children with milk allergies may develop hives, wheezing, a runny nose, diarrhea, or abdominal cramping. Lactose intolerance is usually self-diagnosable, but many of the symptoms of lactose intolerance are the same as irritable bowel syndrome and a milk allergy. So if you suspect you are intolerant, it is important to discuss it with your primary care provider to make sure there are no other medical or nutritional concerns.
Some medical tests can help accurately diagnose the condition so that people can treat their symptoms appropriately.
A hydrogen breath test , which is administered by a gastroenterology specialist, measures how much hydrogen is in the breath after consuming dairy products. It tests for hydrogen because the body turns undigested lactose into hydrogen gas. Blood tests are another type of laboratory test that can help diagnose lactose intolerance. A blood test looks for elevated blood glucose levels after the patient consumes a standard amount of lactose. Secondary lactose intolerance may go away after the intestinal tract heals and begins to function normally again, which could take weeks or months.
Managing this intolerance is usually a matter of making diet changes, but some medications may be helpful. You may benefit from incorporating more dairy-less sources of calcium into your diet, such as:. Lactose intolerance is common and can cause a wide range of symptoms. Here are 5 signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance. A lactose tolerance test measures how well your body can process lactose, a type of sugar found in dairy products, using the enzyme lactase.
This article reviews the 8 most common types of food sensitivities and intolerances, their related symptoms and foods to avoid. IBS is a disorder of bowel function whereas lactose intolerance is related to an enzyme needed to digest dairy.
You can develop lactose intolerance at any age. It could be age related or triggered by a condition — such as Crohn's disease — if it restricts…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Saurabh Sethi, M. Specific symptoms Other food intolerances Is lactose intolerance curable? Seeking medical help Coping Summary Lactose intolerance is an inability to digest the sugar in milk, called lactose. The inability to breakdown lactose leads to symptoms such as: gas nausea bloating diarrhea abdominal pain stomach rumbling vomiting The symptoms of lactose intolerance are similar to other digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome IBS.
Milk allergies cause an immune response that may lead to more serious symptoms like: shortness of breath throat swelling tingling around your mouth The symptoms of lactose intolerance usually begin within 30 minutes to 2 hours after consuming dairy and should go away once the dairy you consumed completely passes through your digestive system — within about 48 hours. How long do lactose intolerance symptoms last? Doctors diagnose lactose intolerance a few different ways.
Your doctor may also ask you to keep a food diary. Additionally, your doctor might perform an endoscopy a procedure in which your doctor sticks a camera down your throat to get a better look at your gastrointestinal tract during the diagnostic process.
The good news is that even if you have a lactose intolerance, the condition is easily managed. As you probably guessed, it consists of limiting or eliminating lactose-containing foods. To get our top stories delivered to your inbox, sign up for the Healthy Living newsletter.
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