When a teenager is lactose intolerant, he cannot physically digest the milk sugar, lactose. Although uncomfortable, lactose intolerance is not a major health problem and is common. MedlinePlus notes that approximately 30 million Americans have some degree of lactose intolerance by the time they reach 20.
Physiology
Normally, when you drink milk or eat milk products, your body uses an enzyme called lactase to break down lactose into simple sugars that can be digested by the body. Teenagers who are lactose intolerant lack sufficient amounts of the enzyme lactase, and as a result cannot digest lactose properly. Instead of being broken down, lactose moves through the digestion system in its full form. When it reaches the large intestine, bacteria feed on the lactose and produce the gas that causes the uncomfortable symptoms associated with lactose intolerance.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of lactose intolerance include diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramps, bloating and gas. MayoClinic.com notes that symptoms usually begin within 30 minutes of consuming food that contains lactose. The severity of symptoms may differ among individuals, based on sensitivity to lactose.
Causes
Lactose intolerance is divided into three separate categories, based on the cause of the condition. Primary lactose intolerance is the type of intolerance that occurs as a result of the normal aging process. As you age, your production of the enzyme lactase gradually decreases until you can no longer properly digest lactose. Some people stop producing lactase completely by the time they reach their teenage years.
Secondary lactose intolerance occurs as a result of an underlying illness or specific injury. The most common causes of secondary lactose intolerance include chronic digestive diseases, such as Crohn's and celiac disease, gastroenteritis and intestinal surgery.
Congenital lactose intolerance is a type of lactose intolerance that is present at birth. Although this condition is rare, it does affect a small percentage of people.
Treatment
There is no way that a teenager can increase the natural production of lactase. The best way to avoid the symptoms associated with lactose intolerance is to avoid milk and milk products that contain the sugar. Synthetic lactase is also available in pill form for those who find it difficult to eliminate milk products. Take the synthetic enzyme in conjunction with milk and milk products and help to digest lactose.
