Most symptoms of lactose intolerance develop during adolescence. The National Institutes of Health states that newborns have very high levels of lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose, but around ages 5 to 7 years the amount of lactase decreases. This drop in lactase can lead to lactose intolerant symptoms. Lactose intolerance is a chronic digestive disorder that is incurable but manageable through diet and supplementation. If you suspect that your adolescent child is intolerant to lactose, talk with your doctor.
Information
When you ingest any food or beverage, your intestines produce enzymes that help break down complex proteins and sugars so that your body can properly absorb them. Lactose is a sugar found in cow's milk that requires the enzyme lactase to digest it. If you're lactose intolerant, your intestines do not produce enough lactase, which leads to irritation, inflammation and swelling in the digestive tract, according to MedlinePlus. As the condition forms during adolescence, you will notice distinctive symptoms that can help identify the condition.
Symptoms
Symptoms that will begin to appear during adolescence include bloating, gas, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea, according to MayoClinic.com. Shortly after ingesting a product that contains lactose, primarily dairy, your child may begin to complain about gas pains and bloating. Approximately 20 to 30 minutes after the lactose is ingested, your child will feel the need to have a bowel movement. The stool commonly smells foul and floats in the toilet. Symptoms from lactose intolerance do not cause any permanent damage, but can be embarrassing.
Treatment
Treating lactose intolerance starts with a medical diagnosis from your physician. Once diagnosed, discuss treatment options with your doctor. MayoClinic.com states that all adults are intolerant towards lactose to a certain degree, but only people with obvious symptoms are diagnosed. To prevent the symptoms of lactose intolerance, use lactose-free dairy products that contain the lactase enzyme or purchase non-dairy substitutes, such as rice milk, almond beverages and soy-based cheeses. You also may use a lactase supplement during the first bite of dairy to prevent lactose intolerance symptoms.
Consideration
If you choose to avoid dairy products altogether, you need to talk with your doctor about the possibility of taking a calcium supplement, according to the National Institutes of Health. Dairy products are the main source of calcium that's needed during adolescence for proper bone structure and growth. Some diary substitutes are fortified with calcium and vitamin D, making them a good choice. Do not take any supplement without the direction of your doctor.
