How to know if i am lactose intolerant: Lactose intolerance – Symptoms and causes
Am I Lactose Intolerant?
Is your morning latte suddenly making your stomach do flips? Do you experience gastrointestinal upset whenever you enjoy a cheesy slice of pizza? Any gastroenterologist knows that this can be disheartening; fortunately, they can help provide the relief you need so that you can go back to enjoying the foods and drinks you love. But first, it’s important to know whether you should come in for an evaluation.
Do I have lactose intolerance?
Since many things can cause an upset stomach and GI distress, it can be difficult to know whether or not it’s dairy that’s truly the culprit. Of course, if you experience any of these symptoms about 30 minutes to 2 hours after consuming dairy products, then it’s time to speak with one of our doctors to find out if it could be lactose intolerance. Here are some of the symptoms you might experience after ingesting dairy products:
- Belly and stomach cramps
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Bloating
How is lactose intolerance diagnosed?
If you suspect that you might be lactose intolerant, it’s a good idea to start tracking everything from whether you consumed milk or other dairy products beforehand and what symptoms you are experiencing to what medications or vitamins you are currently taking.
Our gastroenterologists can determine whether or not you have lactose intolerance through these simple tests:
Lactose tolerance test: This is the most commonly used diagnostic test, which requires the patient to consume a liquid containing a high concentration of lactose. Once consumed, we will perform blood tests to see how glucose within the body reacts to lactose. If glucose levels stay the same rather than rising then your body isn’t able to digest lactose properly.
Hydrogen breath test: Another test in which you have to consume a lactose-filled drink, the hydrogen breath test uses your breath rather than your blood to check hydrogen levels. Bodies that don’t digest lactose properly will affect the colon, which in turn will produce hydrogen and other gases that go through the gastrointestinal system and out through your breath. By measuring the amount of hydrogen on your breath we can also determine whether you might be lactose intolerant.
Stool acidity test: This is most commonly used in infants and young children who may be lactose intolerant. If lactose isn’t digested properly it will create lactic acid within the stool, which can then be tested and detected.
How is lactose intolerance treated?
Avoiding lactose is often the simplest way to prevent symptom flare-ups. These days, there are a ton of lactose-free and dairy-free milk, cheeses, and ice creams, so you shouldn’t have to necessarily cut foods you love from your diet; however, there are over-the-counter supplements that you can take beforehand that can help you better digest dairy if you do decide to eat out or treat yourself to some ice cream.
If you are dealing with digestive issues that you think could be caused by dairy, then it’s a good idea to turn to a gastroenterologist who can perform the appropriate diagnostic testing to determine what’s causing your issues.
Lactose intolerance | healthdirect
Key facts
- Lactose intolerance is when you can’t break down lactose.
- Lactose is the main sugar found in milk and other dairy products.
- Lactose intolerance happens when your body does not produce enough lactase — the enzyme that breaks down lactose.
- If you’re lactose intolerant, you don’t need to stop eating foods with lactose in them altogether.
- Milk allergy isn’t the same as lactose intolerance.
What is lactose intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is when you can’t break down lactose. Lactose is the main sugar found in milk made by mammals. Lactose can be found in:
- milk including evaporated milk, milk powder, condensed milk
- yoghurt
- ice cream
- soft cheeses
- buttermilk
- other dairy products made from milk
It’s sometimes referred to as dairy intolerance and is rarely serious.
Lactose intolerance is different from milk allergy.
Milk allergy
Milk allergy is an immune reaction to cow’s milk protein.
Milk allergy can be:
- mild
- moderate
- serious
Mild milk allergy can cause:
- itchy skin
- rash
Severe milk allergy can cause:
- swelling or tightness in your throat
- difficulty breathing
Get urgent medical advice if you suspect a serious allergic reaction.
A serious allergic reaction is a medical emergency.
Milk allergy isn’t the same as lactose intolerance.
What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance?
The symptoms of lactose intolerance are:
- wind (farting)
- bloating
- abdominal pain and cramps
- nausea
- diarrhoea, or needing the toilet urgently
The symptoms usually come on 30 minutes to a few hours after eating or drinking products containing lactose. Drinking just 1 cup of milk can cause symptoms.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance are often dose related — the more you eat the worse they get!
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
What causes lactose intolerance?
Lactose is a natural sugar found in dairy foods. Lactose is normally broken down by an enzyme called lactase. Lactase is made in your small intestine.
Lactose intolerance happens when your body does not produce enough lactase.
Instead, the unabsorbed lactose moves into your large intestine. Here it’s digested by bacteria using their own enzymes. The gases created in this process can produce symptoms.
Most people can break down lactose when they’re born. However, it’s normal for there to be less lactase activity as you age.
There are other factors that may also increase your risk of developing lactose intolerance.
Genetic factors
Lactose intolerance is often due to genetic factors. You are more likely to be lactose intolerant if you are:
- East Asian
- West African
- Middle Eastern
- Southern European — Greek and Italian
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Other causes of lactose intolerance
Lactose intolerance can also be caused by medical issues, such as:
- gastroenteritis — which strips your intestines of lactase for a week or 2
- a parasitic infection — which can lower your lactase levels
- coeliac disease — the lactose intolerance should improve with a gluten free diet
- Crohn’s disease — especially if you have inflammation or surgery to your small intestine
When should I see my doctor?
If you think you might have lactose intolerance, it’s important to see your doctor.
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.
ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.
How is lactose intolerance diagnosed?
Lactose intolerance is usually tested for by a lactose challenge. This is where you see what happens when you have a large amount of lactose. For example, drinking a milkshake.
Your doctor may suggest that you trial a lactose-free diet. During this time, you will have to monitor what happens with your symptoms. If your symptoms improve, but return when you reintroduce lactose, then you probably have lactose intolerance.
Other tests are sometimes available in private laboratories and hospital clinics. These include the following.
- Hydrogen breath test — measures hydrogen in your breath before and after a dose of lactose.
- Blood glucose test — this is done multiple times after taking a dose of lactose.
- Lactose intolerance genetic test — looks for 4 genetic variations that control how much lactase you make.
- Small bowel biopsy — a sample of your bowel wall is taken during an endoscopy (when a camera is passed into your intestines). A biopsy is an invasive test, so it isn’t often used.
However, none of these tests will prove that you are lactose intolerant.
How is lactose intolerance treated?
The main treatment for lactose intolerance is to lower the amount of lactose in your diet. You won’t have to remove all lactose from your diet. The amount of lactose you can tolerate will vary from person to person.
It’s a good idea to visit an accredited practising dietitian. They can help you lower the lactose in your diet and still get enough calcium.
Many dairy foods don’t contain large amounts of lactose and are a good source of calcium.
Lactose intolerance can be temporary.
It’s possible to slowly reintroduce milk and other dairy products over time.
If your symptoms don’t improve with a lactose-limited diet, you should speak with your doctor or dietitian.
Lactose intolerance and a low FODMAP diet
If you are lactose intolerant and also suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you may follow a low FODMAP diet.
Visit this site to find out more about lactose and dairy products on a low FODMAP diet.
Lactose intolerance and medicines
A few people have such bad lactose intolerance that they must not take certain medicines because they contain lactose. It’s best to speak with your doctor or pharmacist if this is the case for you.
Tips to help manage your lactose intolerance
You may also need to change how you eat dairy foods to lower your chance of symptoms.
Build up your tolerance by starting small and slowly increasing your milk consumption. Most people with lactose intolerance can tolerate ½ cup of milk at a time.
Other things to try:
- drink milk in small quantities
- eat lactose-containing foods with other foods
- choose regular fat milk as it has less lactose than low-fat or skim milk
- hard cheeses are low in lactose and are usually well tolerated
- yoghurt is also often well tolerated as it contains bacteria that break down lactose
You can buy enzyme tablets and drops from your pharmacy. Taking these before eating lactose containing foods will help stop your symptoms.
Be careful to check the labels of processed foods such as:
- biscuits
- cakes
- cheese sauce
- cream soups
- custards
Look for the terms:
- ‘milk solids’
- ‘non-fat milk solids’
- ‘whey’
- ‘milk sugar’
However, lactose is only likely to be a problem if these terms are either of the first 2 ingredients listed.
Tips to get enough calcium
It’s important to still eat enough calcium.
Most adults need at least 1,000 mg of calcium every day — more if you are older or a pregnant woman.
Soy products with added calcium don’t contain lactose and can replace dairy products.
Other foods that are good sources of calcium are:
- calcium-fortified foods
- tinned fish with bones, such as salmon and sardines
- nuts and seeds
- broccoli and other leafy green vegetables
- rhubarb
Complications of lactose intolerance
Eating lactose may cause unpleasant symptoms but it won’t damage your bowel (large intestine). There are no long-term complications of lactose intolerance.
Resources and support
If you suspect you have lactose intolerance, it’s wise to speak to a doctor or dietitian. You can find an Accredited Practising Dietitian on the Dietitians Australia website.
For more information about lactose intolerance you can call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria).
A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a wee
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
How to determine lactase deficiency? — Viola magazine
Signs of lactose intolerance include typical digestive symptoms such as increased gas production, indigestion, bloating and abdominal pain, for example – after snacking on your favorite muffin with a glass of milk or a cup of cappuccino. However, even in a particular person, symptoms can change from day to day, due to different doses of lactose, eating habits on different days, and other factors.
Only a doctor can accurately determine individual lactose intolerance. Therefore, if lactose intolerance is suspected, it is worth contacting specialists and undergoing a full diagnosis. There are the following methods for determining intolerance to milk sugar (lactose).
To detect lactase deficiency, there are several research options that can determine not only whether a person has lactase deficiency, but its type.
Analysis for determination of carbohydrate content in feces does not give an accurate idea of the digestion of lactose, since in addition to lactose, feces may contain other types of carbohydrates. However, according to some reports, in infants, the normal amount of carbohydrates, according to the results of the analysis, should not exceed 1%, in children under 6 months up to 0.5-0.6%, and from 6 to 12 months – 0.25%. Carbohydrates should be completely absent in children older than a year. Some excess of these indicators may indicate possible signs of lactose intolerance. Increased stool acidity (pH≤ 5.5) may be a sign of this disease. However, both studies do not guarantee accurate detection of lactase deficiency.
More informative compared to previous tests (especially when determining a diagnosis in adults) are considered genetic tests , which consist in determining the C / T -13910 and C / T -22018 genes – they are responsible for the production of lactase.
Extremely rare, but still used, small intestinal mucosal biopsy . This kind of study is performed by FGDS. There are also respiratory test. It allows you to determine the amount of hydrogen and methane (products of the breakdown of lactose in the intestine) in the exhaled air. However, for obvious reasons, this type of test is difficult to perform in young children.
In 2012 in cooperation with Union of Pediatricians and jointly with St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical Academy study of the epidemiology of lactase deficiency in children, we purchased a gas analyzer of exhaled hydrogen “ Lactofan “. The aim of the study was to identify children suffering from cow’s milk intolerance through an epidemiological study of different ages, as well as to correct the identified disorders by using lactose-free foods. In total, 4,000 children aged 5 to 15 took part in the study. To date, the study with the apparatus “Laktofan” can be done at the Children’s Clinical Hospital No.
2 “St. Mary Magdalene”.
We also offer you a list of clinics where you can take a test for lactase deficiency in Moscow and St. Petersburg:
Moscow, st. Ugreshskaya, 2, building 8.
+7 (495) 967 99-67
Carbohydrate content in feces is being determined.
How to get there: http://www.clinicalresearchorganization.ru/ru/kontakti
Moscow, st. Butyrskaya, 53/3.
+7 (495) 685 27-02
+7 (495) 685 49-19.
Determination of the content of carbohydrates in feces and analysis of feces for dysbacteriosis.
How to get there: http://sdoctor.ru/contact/
Moscow, Gazetny per., 1/12.
+7 (495) 363 03-63
Carbohydrate content in feces is determined, information is read according to the DNA formula after a blood test.
How to get there: http://tinyurl.com/36pzv5j
Moscow, Grokholsky per., 31
+7 (495) 937 57 57
Carbohydrate content in feces is determined, information is read according to the DNA formula after a blood test.
Getting there: http://www.intac.ru/pages/nashi-kontakty.html
+7 (495) 6-171-171
Carbohydrate content in feces is determined, information is read by DNA formula after a blood test.
How to get there: http://www.nrlab.ru/contacts/
Moscow, st. Admirala Makarov, 10
+7 (495) 452-18-25
Carbohydrate content in feces is being determined.
How to get there: http://www.gabrich.ru/contacts.html
Moscow, st. Sadovaya-Kudrinskaya, 15
Helpline: +7 (495) 254-91-29
Carbohydrate content in stool is being determined.
How to get there: http://tinyurl.com/38ce4zg
St. Petersburg, Nevsky pr., 24
+7 (812) 314-89-89
Food intolerance test as a result of digestive enzyme deficiency: consultation and blood test.
How to get there: http://piter.nashigoroda.ru/adresa/1009/
+7 (812) 429 75-74
+7 (812) 429 75-72
analysis of feces, blood.
How to get there: http://eleosmc.
ru/kontakty.html
+7 (812) 325 46-47
+7 (812) 350 15-20.
Anamnesis data, clinical manifestations, stool analysis are being studied.
How to get there: http://www.happychild.ru/contact.html
St. Petersburg, Rizhskaya Street, 12
+7 (812) 320-65-33
+7 (812) 317-81- 57
+7 (812) 317-81-58
Anamnesis data, clinical manifestations, stool analysis are being studied.
Addresses of clinics of the ONA network: https://www.ona-clinic.ru/contacts/
Share Authors: doctor, candidate of medical sciences, Yudintseva M. Table of contents:
General Lactose is one of the complex sugars found in milk and all dairy products. During the digestive process, lactose is broken down by lactase (an enzyme secreted in the small intestine) into simple sugars (the monosaccharides glucose and galactose), which are absorbed into the bloodstream. “Intolerance” means an inability to digest lactose, often associated with a deficiency of the lactase enzyme. Approximately 30 minutes after drinking milk or dairy products such as ice cream or cottage cheese and homemade cheese, people with lactose intolerance may have diarrhea (diarrhea) or cramping pain (abdominal cramps) and bloating (increased gas formation in the intestines), the severity of which depends on the level of lack of enzymes. It is widely believed that lactose intolerance is an allergy to milk. In fact, this is not so, and the difference between these two concepts is very large. People with lactose intolerance do not have to remove milk and dairy products from their diet, but they do need to control the amount of dairy products. But people suffering from an allergy to milk should not consume even the minimum amount of milk. Symptoms of a milk allergy include difficulty breathing, tightness in the throat, nasal discharge, swollen eyes and eyelids, skin rashes, and vomiting. Lactose intolerance manifests itself differently. Causes of lactose intoleranceCongenital lactase deficiency, predominately distributed among persons belonging to the Asian race. Natural decrease in lactase levels that begins in childhood (after 3 years). How significant this decrease will be depends on the characteristics of the body of a particular person. Any disease that affects lactase-producing cells in the small intestine, such as inflammatory diseases and even the flu. This condition causes “secondary lactase deficiency”. This is a temporary problem that disappears as soon as the disease passes, the damaged cells are restored and begin to produce enzymes again. Stomach and intestinal surgery that can completely destroy the body’s ability to produce lactase. Symptoms of lactose intolerance
What you can doFind out how lactose intolerant you are. In addition to observing your body’s reaction to milk and dairy products, there are two accurate ways to test for lactose intolerance:
Try lactose-reduced or lactose-free foods. You should not completely deprive yourself of dairy products containing lactose, because. this not only drastically reduces the amount of calcium in the diet, but also reduces your body’s ability to absorb calcium from non-dairy foods (as lactose helps the intestines absorb and retain calcium). Be aware that skimmed milk is not safer due to the fact that it has less fat. The problem of intolerance is not related to fat content, but to lactose. Buttermilk and acidophilus milk also contain lactose, so you should also be careful with them. Try yogurt. Many people who are lactose intolerant can digest the lactose found in yogurt normally. However, yogurt is an excellent source of calcium. Use trial and error to determine which type of yogurt you tolerate best. Avoid pasteurized yoghurts as the benefits from them are much less, and the harm from lactose remains. Drink chocolate milk. Calcium from such milk is perfectly absorbed, and the chocolate taste makes it more pleasant. Some cheeses, especially cheddar, parmesan, swiss cheese and mozzarella, are excellent sources of calcium. However, they are not dangerous in terms of lactose, because. whey, which contains the most lactose, is separated during the cheese making process. But cottage cheese, homemade cheese and ricotta are rich in lactose, so they should not be abused. Drink milk with meals or cereals. Taking lactose at the same time as food makes it easier to digest and causes fewer side effects. Drink small portions of milk (half a cup) several times a day with meals. This will replenish the required dose of calcium and will not cause any special problems. Be careful and watch what you eat. Lactose can be found in bread, frozen vegetables, canned soups, salad dressings and sauces, spaghetti, etc., breakfast cereals, cakes, candies, and even pharmaceutical products. Watch closely for signs of lactose intolerance. What a doctor can doPrescribe enzyme tablets or drops. For the treatment of other diseases, prescribe drugs that do not contain lactose. Treat severe secondary lactase deficiency. A nutritionist can develop a balanced diet for you. Your pediatrician can help you find the right food for your baby and give you the advice you need to feed your baby. Preventive measures for lactose intolerance Be careful not to get diseases of the digestive system. However, some simple precautions can help people with mild lactase intolerance avoid unpleasant symptoms while not completely depriving themselves of milk and dairy products. If you are lactose intolerant, do not deprive yourself of dairy products. Try to eat foods rich in calcium, such as milk, but in small doses (less than a cup) and drink it with meals. In general, small amounts of cheese and yogurt are fairly well tolerated by people with lactose intolerance. You can also try lactose-free milk, cheese and cottage cheese or other sources of calcium such as soy milk, almonds, broccoli and other green vegetables, fish, etc. E73 – Lactose intolerance
Consult your healthcare professional before using any medication References
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However, a person with a mild enzyme deficiency may not experience any symptoms at all.
However, it is safe to say that the older a person is, the more likely they are to suffer from lactose intolerance.
What’s more, cocoa can even stimulate lactase activity.:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/what-is-lactose-intolerance-1941689_final-7f3345841fdc42aab4968984df43a4f4.jpg)
If you have such a problem, it is very likely that your children will also have it. In infants, congenital lactose intolerance can be life threatening. As soon as a child suffering from lactose intolerance is fed mother’s milk or artificial food containing milk, he develops colic, gas, diarrhea, and he stops gaining weight. Today, special artificial nutrition is available that does not contain lactose. Contact your pediatrician, who will select artificial nutrition for your child and a balanced diet that will allow you to replenish the required amount of calcium in his diet.
In addition, there are almost no ways to prevent such a genetically programmed disorder as lactose intolerance.
enteric: 15, 20, 30, 40, 60 or 100 pcs.
Shustov, I.L. Baranov, Yu.Sh. Khalimov. – M.: Medical Information Agency, 2012. – 632 p.