Lactose intolerance is a common condition in which your body cannot properly digest the sugar found in cow's milk. People with lactose intolerance commonly confuse the condition with a milk allergy because of similar gastric symptoms. Lactose intolerance can cause a wide array of uncomfortable symptoms but does not affect the digestive system in the long-term. The condition is incurable, but it is manageable through diet modification and supplementation. You should talk with a doctor before attempting to treat any medical condition.
Identification
Lactose is a sugar found in cow's milk. The lining of the small intestines produces enzymes to help break down the proteins and sugars in foods and beverages. Lactase is the enzyme needed to properly digest lactose. If your intestines do not produce enough lactase, the sugar is not properly digested, causing inflammation and irritation. The result is discomfort and various digestive symptoms. Everyone is intolerant of lactose to some degree, but only people with significant symptoms are considered to be intolerant.
Symptoms
Within 20 to 30 minutes after ingesting a dairy product, you will begin experiencing common symptoms of lactose intolerance. The most common symptoms include bloating, gas, diarrhea, loose stools, foul-smelling stools, abdominal pain and cramping. Extreme cases of lactose intolerance can lead to malnutrition, weight loss and dehydration from excessive diarrhea. If you experience severe symptoms, avoid consuming diary products until you can be evaluated by your doctor.
Treatment
Lactose intolerance is treated in three ways: avoidance, supplementation and substitution. You can remove all dairy products from your diet to prevent the symptoms of lactose intolerance, or you can buy dairy products that are lactose-free. Lactase enzyme supplements are available at a pharmacy; If you take them with the first bite or drink of dairy, they will assist the body in properly digesting the sugar. You can also replace dairy with nondairy products, such as soy, rice or corn-based beverages and foods. Once symptoms begin, the only treatment is to wait for the body to eliminate the lactose from the digestive tract.
Considerations
If you develop other symptoms aside from digestive symptoms, call your doctor. You may have an allergy to milk. Some common symptoms of a milk allergy are asthma, skin rash and nasal congestion.
If you develop diarrhea, increase the amount of fluids you are drinking to prevent dehydration. Dehydration can occur if you develop diarrhea that depletes the body of water and needed salts. If you suspect that you're dehydrated, call your doctor.
