Diagnosis, Symptoms and Treatment of Lactose Intolerance

Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance

When the small intestine does not contain the enzyme lactase, lactose is not broken down. Undigested lactose reaches the large intestine, where it is broken by bacteria. As a result of bacterial action lactic acid and certain gases are produced. These products are not easily absorbed and get accumulated in the intestines. Lactic acid is an irritant and a laxative and can create the symptoms of lactose intolerance. The symptoms can be nausea, abdominal cramps and rumbling, bloating, flatus and diarrhoea. The symptoms usually occur 30 minute-2 hours after the ingestion of lactose-containing foods. The severity of symptoms depends on the amount of lactose ingested and how much of the enzyme lactase remains in the intestinal tract. 

Diagnosis of Lactose Intolerance

Exclusion test : Avoid milk an lactose-containing foods for a few days. Then drink about 500 ml. of milk. If symptoms develop within four hours, lactose intolerance is suspected. Then one of the following tests can be conducted to confirm the diagnosis of lactase deficiency. 

Lactose tolerance test : A test done of lactose is ingested and blood sugar determinations are made over several hours. If lactase is present to break down the lactose load, then the blood sugar level rises. If no lactase is present, the blood sugar level does not rise. 

Hydrogen breath test : When lactose is broken down by the colon's bacteria, hydrogen is released. The hydrogen is absorbed by the blood and then released into the lungs from where it passes out. Presence of increased amount of hydrogen after a meal rich in lactose suggests lactase intolerance. 

Stool acidity test : Lactose is broken down to lactic and other acids by the bacteria present in the colon. Increase in stool acidity suggests lactase intolerance. 

Treatment of Lactose Intolerance

Some people can consume small amounts of lactose without having symptoms while others need to avoid all lactose-containing foods completely. Some people, however, can build up their level of tolerance by gradually introducing lactose-containing foods. Therefore, diet for lactose intolerant patient can be divided into two groups :

Low-lactose diet : This diet generally eliminates only milk and milk products. However, some can tolerate milk in small amounts ( about 50 ml) or as part of a meal. Some can tolerate small amounts of yogurt. These patients should find the level of lactose they can tolerate. 

Lactose - free diet : This diet is meant for patients who cannot tolerate even small amounts of lactose. These people can consume soy milk. 

Food Items to be Avoided of Lactose Intolerance

Food items such as bread, baked foods, cereals, soups, margarine, salad dressings, chocolates can contain lactose, and should be avoided. 

Introduction of Lactose Intolerance
Diagnosis, Symptoms and Treatment of Lactose Intolerance
Medications for Lactose Intolerance