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Lactose (Milk) Intolerance Test


Overview

Lactose (Milk) intolerance is the inability to break down a type of natural sugar called lactose. Lactose is commonly found in dairy products, such as milk and yogurt. A person becomes lactose intolerant when his or her small intestine stops making enough of the enzyme lactase to digest and break down the lactose. When this happens, the undigested lactose moves into the large intestine. The bacteria that are normally present in the large intestine interact with the undigested lactose and cause symptoms such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea. The condition may also be called lactase deficiency.

Lactose intolerance usually causes gastrointestinal symptoms, such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea, about 30 minutes to two hours after ingesting milk or other dairy products containing lactose. People who are lactose intolerant may need to avoid eating these products or take medicines containing the lactase enzyme before doing so.

  • Primary lactose intolerance (normal result of aging):is the most common form. Our bodies typically stop making lactase. As lactase levels decrease, dairy products become harder to digest. People with primary lactose intolerance make a lot less lactase. That makes dairy products hard to digest by adulthood. It’s caused by genes
  • Secondary lactose intolerance (due to illness or injury):happens because of an injury, illness or possibly a surgery. Any of these can affect small intestine and cause to make less lactase. Celiac disease and Crohn’s disease are two of the most common intestinal diseases linked to low lactase
  • Developmental lactose intolerance:happens in babies who are born prematurely. It usually goes away on its own, lasting for only a short time after birth
  • Congenital or developmental lactose intolerance (being born with the condition):is very rare and happens when no lactase or a very small amount of it is produced by the small intestine from birth. It’s a genetic disorder, and both parents have to pass the gene on to their child

The signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance usually begin 30 minutes to two hours after eating or drinking foods that contain lactose. Common signs and symptoms include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea, and sometimes, vomiting
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Bloating
  • Gas
  • Premature birth
  • Disease affecting small intestine
  • Certain cancer treatments
  • Lactose intolerance is suspected when stomach upset occurs shortly after consuming milk or other dairy products
  • Lactose tolerance test
  • Hydrogen breath test
  • Stool acidity test
  • Limit dairy products
  • Drinking low-fat or fat-free milk
  • Dairy milk alternative
  • Almond
  • Flax
  • Soy
  • Rice milk

Lactose (Milk) Intolerance

i. How can milk allergy be tested?;+
ii. How can a person find out if he / she is lactose intolerant?+
iii. What all food items should be avoided by a lactose intolerant person?+
iv. Can a person suddenly become lactose intolerant?+

Disclaimer - The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.