Lactose intolerance is that sometimes occurs in infants. Milk is primary food-source for all mammals, but can cause complications in babies who cannot tolerate the sugar found in milk. DrGreene.com states that lactose is found in all types of milk, whether it is breast milk, cow's milk, goat's milk or sheep milk. Lactose is a complex sugar that needs to be broken into two simpler sugars in order for the body to properly absorb it. If your baby is lactose intolerant, her digestive system is lacking the right enzyme needed to break the lactose down.
Risk Factors
Several factors can cause your infant to be at a greater risk of developing lactose intolerance. Certain ethnicities are more prone to the condition. This includes African, Asian, Native American and Hispanics, according to TeensHealth. Infants that have other digestive complications, such as Crohn's disease, are more prone to lactose intolerance. Certain medications may trigger lactose intolerance that is temporary and should subside once the medication is no longer in use. As people age, they become at higher risk of developing lactose intolerance.
Digestive Signs
The BabyCenter states that lactose intolerance signs and symptoms are related to the digestive tract that can affect your baby's behavior. Common signs and symptoms related to the digestive system include diarrhea, bloating, gas and abdominal cramping about a half hour after the baby eats or drinks dairy products, including breast milk. Depending on your infant's intolerance level, he may not develop symptoms from smaller amounts of milk. Children under the age of one year should not drink cow's milk.
Behavioral Symptoms
Because of pain and discomfort, your infant can become fussy and show signs of colic. The infant may cry every time you give her milk. The crying may last for a few minutes or a few hours, depending on how intense the symptoms are. Your infant can develop intense and inconsolable crying that is high pitched. You may be able to decipher pain on your baby's face. The infant may curl up her legs, clench her fists and tense her abdominal muscles. Symptoms typically go away within a few hours.
Consideration
If you notice these symptoms after you give your baby milk, discontinue use and call your doctor. Your doctor may recommend a lactose-free baby formula, complete avoidance of dairy products or the use of a lactase supplement. If you want to breast feed, you can pump, add lactase drops to the breast milk and give it to your infant.
