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Lactose Intolerance

Learn more about symptoms, risk factors and treatment options.

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What is it?

Lactose intolerance is the body’s inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and milk products. Most people with lactose intolerance can tolerate some amount of lactose in their diet.

 

Lactose intolerance can be confused with an allergy to cow’s milk. Milk allergy is a reaction by the body’s immune system to one or more milk proteins. It can be life threatening – even when just a small amount of milk or milk product is consumed. Milk allergy most commonly appears in the first year of life, while lactose intolerance occurs more often in adulthood.

 

Symptoms

Symptoms of lactose intolerance include:

  • Abdominal pain or discomfort
  • Bloating
  • Diarrhea
  • Gas

When to see a doctor

Occasional abdominal discomfort such as cramping, bloating or diarrhea often resolve on their own. However, if your symptoms have not resolved within a few days, or they persist, it’s time to see a doctor.

 

Causes and risk factors

Lactose intolerance is caused by a lack of the enzyme lactase, which is produced by the cells lining the small intestine. Without lactase, the body cannot break down lactose into two simpler forms of sugar called glucose and galactose. 

 

Risk factors for developing lactose intolerance include:

  • Age: Adults and older adults
  • Ethnicity: African American, American Indian, Asian and Hispanic
  • Genetics: A parent who is lactose intolerant
  • If you have Celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, chemotherapy or severe diarrheal illness

 

Treatment options

If you have lactose intolerance, it may help to follow a diet free of lactose. Your doctor can also prescribe medication.

Testing

Your doctor can help you determine if you have lactose intolerance. They also may recommend the following tests or procedures:

  • Hydrogen breath test for lactose intolerance

Prevention

You may not be able to prevent lactose intolerance, but it can be managed with dietary changes and medication.

 

Additional conditions

Hepatitis A

Pancreatic Cancer

Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)