lactose intolerance

What is Lactose Intolerance?

Lactose intolerance is a condition where people are unable to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. This occurs when the body does not produce enough lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose into easily absorbed sugars.

Causes of Lactose Intolerance

• Lactase deficiency: The inability to produce sufficient lactase enzyme is the primary cause of lactose intolerance [1].
• Genetic predisposition: Lactose intolerance often runs in families and can affect both children and adults [2].

Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance

• Bloating and gas: People with lactose intolerance may experience bloating, gas, and discomfort after consuming dairy products [3][4].
• Diarrhea and abdominal pain: Other symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps [5][6].
• Tummy pain: Some individuals may experience tummy pain or discomfort after eating food containing lactose [7].

Key Facts

• Lactose intolerance is not a disease but rather a condition that affects the body's ability to digest lactose.
• It is not caused by an allergy, but rather by the inability to produce sufficient lactase enzyme.
• Lactose intolerance can be managed through dietary changes and the use of lactase supplements.

References: [1] - Context 8: "An enzyme called lactase is needed by the body to digest lactose." [2] - Context 2: "This condition often runs in families and can affect both children and adults." [3] - Context 6: "Symptoms of lactose intolerance include bloating, gas, abdominal pain and diarrhoea." [4] - Context 5: "Symptoms of lactose intolerance may include bloating, diarrhea, gas, nausea, and pain in your abdomen." [5] - Context 5: "Symptoms of lactose intolerance may include bloating, diarrhea, gas, nausea, and pain in your abdomen." [6] - Context 6: "Symptoms of lactose intolerance include bloating, gas, abdominal pain and diarrhoea." [7] - Context 7: "Lactose intolerance is when you get symptoms, such as tummy pain, after eating food containing lactose, a sugar found in dairy products."

Common Signs and Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, which can vary in severity from person to person. Here are some common signs and symptoms:

• Digestive Discomfort: Bloating, gas, and diarrhea are among the most common symptoms of lactose intolerance.
• Abdominal Pain: Stomach cramps, pain in the abdomen, and stomach "growling" or rumbling sounds can occur due to undigested lactose.
• Nausea and Vomiting: In some cases, people with lactose intolerance may experience nausea and vomiting after consuming dairy products.
• Diarrhea: Frequent diarrhea is a common symptom of lactose intolerance, especially in children.
• Bloating and Gas: Bloating and gas are often accompanied by discomfort, pain, or cramping in the abdomen.

Symptoms in Children

In children, lactose intolerance can cause:

• Diarrhea
• Poor weight gain
• Stomach cramps

Other Symptoms

Some people may also experience:

• Feeling sick or being sick
• Tummy pain or discomfort
• Farting (flatulence)

It's essential to note that these symptoms can vary in severity and may not be present in everyone who is lactose intolerant. If you suspect you have lactose intolerance, consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and guidance.

References:

[1] Symptoms · Diarrhea · Nausea, and sometimes, vomiting · Stomach cramps · Bloating · Gas ... (Search Result 1) [2] Common symptoms of lactose intolerance include bloating, gas and diarrhea. Lactose intolerance can cause digestive discomfort after you eat dairy products. What ... (Search Result 2) [3] People who are lactose intolerant have unpleasant symptoms after eating or drinking milk or milk products. These symptoms include bloating, diarrhea and gas. (Search Result 3) [4] Check if you have lactose intolerance · tummy pain or discomfort · bloating · farting · diarrhoea or constipation · feeling sick or being sick. (Search Result 4) [5] What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance? · bloating · diarrhea · gas · nausea · pain in your abdomen · stomach “growling” or rumbling sounds · vomiting. (Search Result 5) [6] Symptoms include bloating, gas, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Most people with lactose intolerance can tolerate cheese well, and small amounts of milk and ... (Search Result 6) [7] Jan 13, 2023 — Lactose intolerance is a condition characterized by symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, gas and diarrhea, which are caused by lactose ... (Search Result 7) [8] Common Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance · Bloating · Gas · Diarrhea · Stomach and abdominal pain · Nausea and vomiting ... (Search Result 8) [9] Lactose Intolerance · Lactose intolerance is caused by a lack of the enzyme lactase. · Symptoms in children include diarrhea and poor weight gain, whereas ... (Search Result 9)

Diagnosing Lactose Intolerance: A Guide to Diagnostic Tests

Lactose intolerance can be diagnosed through various tests that measure the body's ability to digest lactose, a type of sugar found in milk and other dairy products. Here are some common diagnostic tests used to diagnose lactose intolerance:

• Hydrogen Breath Test: This is the most commonly used test to detect lactose intolerance. It measures the amount of hydrogen gas produced by bacteria in the small intestine as they break down undigested lactose. The test involves drinking a lactose-containing beverage and then exhaling into a breathalyzer, which measures the levels of hydrogen gas in the breath.
• Lactose Tolerance Test: This test measures the body's ability to digest lactose by measuring the amount of glucose (sugar) produced as lactose is broken down. The test involves drinking a lactose-containing beverage and then having blood samples taken at regular intervals to measure glucose levels.

Other Tests

• Blood Glucose Tests: These tests measure the level of glucose in the blood after consuming lactose.
• Stool Acidity Tests: This test measures the acidity of stool samples to determine if undigested lactose is present.

Recommended Test

The hydrogen breath test is considered the diagnostic test of choice for lactose intolerance. It is a non-invasive and relatively simple test that can be performed in a doctor's office or clinic.

References:

• [1] Hydrogen breath test: This is the test more commonly used to detect and diagnose lactose intolerance. (Source: #4)
• [2] Lactose tolerance tests measure your body's ability to break down lactose. (Source: #3)
• [3] Breath hydrogen test. This is the diagnostic test of choice. (Source: #6)

Treatment Options for Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance can be managed through various treatment options, including over-the-counter medications and dietary changes.

• Lactase enzyme supplements: Taking lactase enzyme tablets or drops before consuming dairy products can help break down lactose and prevent symptoms. This is a popular and effective treatment option for many people [1][2].
• Pills and capsules: Various pills and capsules containing lactase enzymes are available over-the-counter, such as Lactaid and Dairy Aid. These can be taken before or after consuming dairy products to help with digestion [3][4].
• Dietary changes: While not a medication per se, making dietary changes can also help manage lactose intolerance. This includes avoiding dairy products altogether or substituting them with lactose-free alternatives [5].

Medications Used to Treat Lactose Intolerance

Some medications are specifically designed to treat lactose intolerance, including:

• Lactase systemic: This is a medication that contains the lactase enzyme and helps break down lactose in the digestive system [6].
• Imodium AD (loperamide): While not specifically designed for lactose intolerance, Imodium AD can help manage diarrhea caused by undigested lactose [7].

Prevention of Symptoms

The lactase supplement is a popular treatment option that prevents bloating, diarrhea, and gas caused by lactose intolerance. It comes in capsule or tablet form and can be taken before consuming dairy products [8].

References:

[1] Context 1 [2] Context 1 [3] Context 3 [4] Context 4 [5] Not provided (general knowledge) [6] Context 5 [7] Context 8 [8] Context 9

Differential Diagnosis of Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance can be challenging to diagnose, as its symptoms are similar to those of other gastrointestinal disorders. Therefore, a differential diagnosis is essential to rule out other conditions that may present with similar symptoms.

Conditions to Consider:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS is a common disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. It can be difficult to distinguish from lactose intolerance, as both conditions share similar symptoms.
• Celiac Disease: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to react to gluten, leading to inflammation and damage in the small intestine. Symptoms of celiac disease, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss, can be mistaken for lactose intolerance.
• Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): SIBO is a condition where bacteria overgrow in the small intestine, leading to symptoms like bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits. SIBO can mimic lactose intolerance, making differential diagnosis crucial.

Diagnostic Approaches:

• Medical History: A thorough medical history, including questions about dietary habits, symptoms, and other health conditions, is essential for diagnosing lactose intolerance.
• Breath Tests: Breath tests, such as the hydrogen breath test, can help diagnose lactose intolerance by measuring the amount of hydrogen in the breath after consuming lactose-containing foods.
• Elimination Diet: An elimination diet involves removing lactose-containing foods from the diet for a period and then reintroducing them to assess symptoms.

References:

• [4] Consideration of differential diagnoses is important in patients with primary hypolactasia (Table 3).
• [11] Differential diagnosis · Irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease ... "[Effect of exogenous lactase on the absorption of lactose and its intolerance symptoms]".
• [12] Dec 10, 2021 — Lactose intolerance can usually be diagnosed through dietary challenge, i.e. the return of symptoms following reintroduction of milk and milk ...
• [13] March 24, 2023 - Molecular genetics of adult-type hypolactasia. Ann Med. 2005;37(3):179-85. doi: 10.1080/07853890510007359. Citation on PubMed · Lomer MC, Parkes GC, Sanderson JD. Review article: lactose intolerance in clinical practice--myths and realities. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2008 Jan 15;27(2):93-103. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2007.03557.x. Epub 2007 Oct 23. Citation on PubMed · Robayo-Torres CC, Nichols BL. Molecular differentiation ...