Lactose Intolerance

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Definition
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Other resources

Definition

Lactose Intolerance (LI) is caused by a deficiency of the villi in the intestinal wall to produce the enzyme lactase. Lactase is used to breakdown lactose, which is the major sugar in milk.

LI is not the same as a milk allergy, although the symptoms can be almost the same. A milk allergy is an allergy to the protein found in milk, most often cow’s milk, and is triggered by the immune system as opposed to the digestive system.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Lactose Intolerance tend to be related to digestion. Symptoms are reported to start appearing anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours since the allergy is related to the small intestine. These symptoms can vary in severity depending on individual sensitivity and amount of lactose consumed. Symptoms include:

Pain or cramps
Bloating
Gurgling or rumbling sounds in your belly
Gas
Loose stools or diarrhea
Vomiting

Diagnosis

People who suspect they are lactose intolerant can perform their own test by eliminating dairy from their diet and see if their symptoms lessen or improve.

Doctor’s can perform lab tests to check for LI, as well:

Lactose Tolerance Test – Since lactose is a sugar, after fasting, lactose is consumed and blood tests are taken over a 2 hour period to measure blood glucose levels. If the levels do not rise after consuming the lactose, LI is considered confirmed.
Hydrogen Breath Test – Since undigested lactose in the colon ferments, it produces levels of hydrogen which is absorbed into the bloodstream and deposited into the lungs to be exhaled. A doctor can advise the person what foods to avoid before the test as to not interfere with the results. A person is given lactose to drink and his/her breath is tested at regular intervals. A rise in hydrogen is considered confirmation.
Stool Acidity Test – often, for infants, measures undigested lactose in the form of acid.

While the diagnoses of Lactose Intolerance are fairly simple and non-controversial, misdiagnoses can include:

Irritable Bowl Syndrome (IBS)
Other allergies
Gas
Lactose maldigestion

Treatment

At present time, there is no cure for Lactose Intolerance. However, control can be maintained through diet. A replacement enzyme can be bought (pill or tablet) without a prescription to aid in the digestion of foods with lactose.

Individuals with LI should be aware of different products where lactose can be found including lunch meats, medications, dressings and a variety of instant foods/drinks.

Resources

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