Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Lactose Intolerance
Having lactose intolerance is a very common problem in many people today, however, there are many treatments available to help people recover from it. In this article, we’ll look at the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment.
Symptoms
Symptoms of lactose intolerance can be difficult to diagnose because they can look similar to other symptoms. A doctor can help determine whether you have lactose intolerance by performing a physical examination and a test for lactase. Lactase is an enzyme that helps your body break down lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. If your body does not produce enough lactase, you may experience bloating, diarrhea, and indigestion.
The amount of lactase your body produces depends on how much you consume. If you have a chronic condition, such as Crohn’s disease, your body will produce less lactase. It is possible for your body to make more lactase, but it may take some time. In addition, the number of lactase-producing cells in the small intestine may decrease as you get older.
If you have symptoms of lactose intolerance, try changing your diet. You may be able to tolerate small amounts of dairy, including milk and yogurt. You can also try lactose-free dairy products. You should also be sure to drink plenty of water to help keep your body hydrated.
If your doctor suspects you have lactose intolerance, he or she may ask you to keep a food diary. This will help them identify which foods cause symptoms. They may also recommend vitamin supplements. They will also do a physical exam and ask questions about your past medical history.
Your doctor may also do an endoscopy, which is a procedure that takes pictures of your intestines. This test can also be used to determine if you have inflammatory bowel disease or celiac disease, which can cause similar symptoms.
If you have a chronic condition, you may be able to take enzyme supplements to help your body break down lactose. You can also talk with a registered dietitian about foods that may provide you with the nutrients you need. It is possible to tolerate a small number of dairy products, but you will have to be patient as you start to add them back into your diet.
Lactose intolerance can affect anyone, even infants. It can be triggered by infection, antibiotics, and certain cancer treatments. It can also be inherited. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe.
Diagnosis
Symptoms of lactose intolerance can be uncomfortable. These include gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence, and cramps. A diagnosis of lactose intolerance is usually made by testing.
Lactose intolerance can be caused by a number of different conditions. Lactase is the enzyme that breaks down lactose into glucose, and when your body is lacking this enzyme, you cannot digest it properly. You will be given a special diet to help your body break down the lactose. Your doctor may ask you to cut out milk for one or two weeks.
The hydrogen breath test is a simple and easy way to diagnose lactose intolerance. This test is done by a doctor or at an outpatient clinic. You will need to drink a liquid that contains lactose and then breathe in the gases that are released during the fermentation process. If you have more hydrogen in your breath than normal, it is a sign that your body is not digesting the lactose properly.
Other causes of lactose intolerance include digestive tract inflammation, intestinal disease, and surgery. If your doctor thinks you have an underlying disorder, treatment will usually improve your symptoms. Lactose intolerance is often associated with a condition called celiac disease. This disease causes the body to not produce enough of the enzyme that breaks down lactose.
A doctor may be able to diagnose lactose intolerance with an endoscopy, which involves taking a picture of the inside of your gut. This can be helpful in diagnosing other diseases as well. The doctor will then take a sample of your stools. You may also be able to detect lactic acid in your stools. This will tell your doctor if you are breaking down lactose properly.
There are also certain products that contain lactic acids, such as yogurt, cheese, and certain processed foods. If you notice any symptoms after eating these products, try eating them in small amounts. These products are generally lower in lactose than other dairy products. You can also try a lactose-free diet, which will help improve your symptoms.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance vary in severity. They can include gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence, cramps, and nausea. The severity of symptoms can also depend on the amount of dairy you consume. It is important to try different dairy products until you find one that works for you.
Treatment
Those who are lactose intolerant have problems digesting lactose, a simple sugar that is commonly found in dairy products. Lactase is an enzyme that helps the body break down lactose into glucose and galactose. If the body does not make enough of the enzyme, the sugar cannot be broken down and absorbed into the bloodstream. This results in uncomfortable symptoms.
Several types of diagnostic tests can help determine if you are lactose intolerant. The most common is the hydrogen breath test. This test measures the amount of hydrogen in your breath after you drink a beverage containing lactose. The test is performed at an outpatient clinic.
Another diagnostic test for lactose intolerance is the stool acidity test. This test is used for infants. In addition, the test may also detect fatty acids and vitamin D. This test may be used to rule out inflammatory bowel disease, which can also cause lactose intolerance.
If your doctor confirms that you are lactose intolerant, you may be able to begin treatment. This may involve eliminating dairy products from your diet for a period of time. You may also choose to take vitamin supplements to ensure you are getting adequate amounts of nutrients.
You may also be able to improve your lactose intolerance by consuming fermented dairy products. Yogurt is a good example of a dairy product that contains very low amounts of lactose. Some dairy products contain no lactose at all. You can also add a small amount of lactose to your diet gradually to see how your body responds.
If you decide to try lactose-free dairy products, be sure to eat them with other foods. This will help to avoid symptoms. You can also try a lactose-free diet for two weeks. Once you feel better, you can begin eating dairy again.
If you have a family history of lactose intolerance, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about your options. In some cases, the symptoms can be due to a serious gastrointestinal disease such as irritable bowel syndrome or celiac disease. Your doctor may also recommend that you see a registered dietitian to learn more about a dairy-free diet.
Prevention
Symptoms of lactose intolerance can vary widely from one person to another. Some people are able to consume a small amount of lactose without experiencing symptoms. Others require more vigilance.
If you suspect you have lactose intolerance, you should visit your doctor or a registered dietitian for testing. You may be able to find lactose-free milk in your local grocery store. A registered dietitian can suggest other foods that will provide your body with the nutrients you need.
There are also lactase supplements available. These products contain the enzyme lactase, which is responsible for breaking down the sugar lactose. These products come in a pill or liquid form. Some people may not be able to tolerate lactase supplements. This is because lactase enzyme levels can decrease over time.
A lactase enzyme supplement is recommended if you are experiencing symptoms after consuming lactose. You can find lactase enzymes in milk products and dairy supplements.
Your doctor may recommend an elimination diet. This involves removing foods that contain lactose for a period of time, then adding them back into your diet. You should be able to tolerate at least a half cup of milk with each meal without experiencing symptoms. You should also try different types of dairy products to find the ones that are right for you.
For those who are not able to tolerate lactose, you can try calcium-fortified juices. Calcium is important for the growth and development of children. You can also take calcium supplements to provide your body with the calcium it needs.
If your symptoms persist after a month of removing lactose from your diet, you may be diagnosed with lactose intolerance. Your healthcare provider will ask you about your family’s history of lactose intolerance and other medical problems.
Your doctor may also recommend an endoscopy. An endoscopy is an invasive procedure that involves inserting a long tube into your mouth and passing it into your small intestine. During the endoscopy, your healthcare provider will take tissue samples and take pictures of the inside of your intestine. They will also analyze the tissue samples for lactase activity.
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