Signs of Lactose intolerance

Description

Deficiency of lactase- the enzyme made in the small intestine that helps metabolize lactose. Also called lactase deficiency. Lactose is the primary sugar found in milk products. Not all patients with low levels of lactase experience symptoms. Patients must have low levels of lactase and have symptoms to be diagnosed with this disorder. Lactase deficiency can occur with aging, or after a physical stress such as bowel surgery, infections of the small intestine, or with celiac disease.

Symptoms

Symptoms usually begin 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating a meal containing lactose and include: diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and excess fat in stool (steatorrhea). Most patients only experience mild symptoms but for some they are severe.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be done. 3 tests can be performed to diagnose lactose intolerance: lactose tolerance test, hydrogen breath test, and stool acidity test. Only the stool acidity test is appropriate for infants and small children.

Treatment

The best treatment is to avoid eating foods high in lactose. The missing enzyme lactase can be taken as a pill prior to eating a meal high in lactose and some find relief with this remedy.