Lactose intolerance is a condition where the patient's digestive system is unable to fully process the lactose, or milk sugar, present in dairy products. Infants are frequently diagnosed with lactose intolerance, but this may not always be the case. Learn to spot the symptoms of lactose intolerance to see if your child has this condition.
Lactose Intolerance Defined
There are three main kinds of lactose intolerance: Primary lactose intolerance denotes a condition where those who were formerly capable of digesting lactose start to experience digestive problems, despite no history of intestinal disease. Secondary lactose intolerance is caused by gastrointestinal diseases such as radiation enteritis, gastroenteritis or carcinoid syndrome. The rarest form, congenital lactose intolerance, refers to a complete and lifelong absence of lactase in the individual. Newborns are sometimes misdiagnosed with congenital lactose intolerance when they actually have a case of secondary lactose intolerance.
Causes
The cause of lactose intolerance is the absence or deficiency of lactase in the small intestine. This enzyme allows the digestive system to break lactose down into glucose and galactose components. These resulting simple sugars are then absorbed into the bloodstream. In the absence of lactase, the unprocessed lactose moves on to the intestinal bacteria. The resulting reaction causes numerous uncomfortable and inconvenient symptoms of lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance can be genetic, with a higher incidence in Asian, African American and Latino ethnic groups.
Symptoms
Symptoms of lactose intolerance in infants usually appear between 1/2 to 2 hours after consuming foods containing lactose, KidsHealth.org reports. Infants may experience several symptoms including flatulence, bloating, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea, colic, crying, eczema and ear infections. The severity of these will depend on the amount of lactose consumed and lactase present in the body.
Testing for Lactose Intolerance
You may test for lactose intolerance in your child by removing all milk products from your his daily diet for two weeks. If symptoms improve, slowly reintroduce milk products in small amounts day by day, but remain observant for recurring signs. If you suspect lactose intolerance in your child, consult your pediatrician. Further testing via a lactose breath test can determine your child's exact condition.
Lactose Intolerance versus Milk Allergy
Take note that the symptoms of lactose intolerance in infants are frequently confused with those of milk allergy. Milk allergy is not a digestive problem, but an immune system response. It can be hard to tell the difference, since diarrhea and abdominal pain can arise from both lactose intolerance and milk allergy. If your child experiences any swelling in the lips or face, or if he gets a dry rash, that may indicate a milk allergy to dairy proteins.
