Description
Caused by a deficiency of an enzyme called lactase. The enzyme normally is made in the small intestine. It helps digest a sugar called lactose, the primary sugar found in milk products. Not all patients with low levels of lactase experience symptoms. Patients must have low levels of lactase and have symptoms to be diagnosed with this disorder. Lactase deficiency can occur with aging, or after a physical stress such as bowel surgery, infections of the small intestine, or with celiac disease.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually begin 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating a meal containing lactose and include: diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and excess fat in stool (steatorrhea). Most patients only experience mild symptoms but for some they are severe.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be done. 3 tests can be performed to diagnose lactose intolerance: lactose tolerance test, hydrogen breath test, and stool acidity test. Only the stool acidity test is appropriate for infants and small children.
Other Specific Tests: lactose tolerance test, hydrogen breath test, stool acidity test
Specialists:
Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric Gastroenterology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be done. 3 tests can be performed to diagnose lactose intolerance: lactose tolerance test, hydrogen breath test, and stool acidity test. Only the stool acidity test is appropriate for infants and small children.
Other Specific Tests: lactose tolerance test, hydrogen breath test, stool acidity test
Specialists:
Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric Gastroenterology
Treatment
The best treatment is to avoid eating foods high in lactose. The missing enzyme lactase can be taken as a pill prior to eating a meal high in lactose.