Lactose sensitivity is a condition in which your body has difficulty digesting foods that contain lactose, a type of sugar found in dairy and milk products. Approximately 30 to 50 million people in the United States have this type of food intolerance, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Sensitivity to lactose, which is also referred to as lactose intolerance, may cause uncomfortable symptoms within 30 minutes to 2 hours after you consume an offending food. Seek additional care from your physician if you develop lactose sensitivity symptoms to ensure you receive appropriate care and treatment.
Nausea
Food products that contain lactose may aggravate and inflame your digestive tract, leading to nausea and stomach discomfort. Nausea may persist for several hours and may contribute to a temporary decrease in your appetite. If you experience vomiting in conjunction with nausea, seek care from your doctor. Nausea and vomiting may also be signs of alternate health issues such as food poisoning or a stomach bug.
Diarrhea
Irritation that develops along your intestinal tract after you eat a diary product may result in diarrhea. Urgent, frequent, watery bowel movements may be uncomfortable and are typically accompanied by abdominal cramping and pain. The severity of your symptoms is generally dependent upon the amount of dairy you consume. A large glass of milk or a few slices of cheese pizza will likely cause more severe symptoms than a bite of cheesecake or a bit of creamer in your coffee. Chronic loose bowel movements may cause your body to lose too much fluid, which may lead to dehydration. Consult your physician if you experience episodes of diarrhea that persist for more than a few days.
Gas or Bloating
Dairy and milk products may also cause excess gas accumulation in your stomach or intestines if you have lactose sensitivity. Gassiness may cause you to feel unusually full or bloated and you may notice that your stomach is slightly swollen or distended. Your pants or clothing may also feel tight around your midsection when you are bloated. Typically, these lactose sensitivity symptoms diminish within a few hours after you consume milk or dairy.
Severe Symptoms
If you experience severe symptoms such as hives, breathing difficulties, nasal congestion or wheezing in conjunction with nausea, diarrhea or bloating, you may actually have a milk allergy rather than lactose intolerance, MayoClinic.com warns. Symptoms associated with a milk allergy arise immediately after you consume products that contain milk. If you exhibit milk allergy symptoms, seek prompt care from your healthcare provider. In rare cases, a milk allergy may cause a potentially fatal reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis symptoms include flushing, excessive itching, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath and severely low blood pressure.
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