Lactose is a form of milk sugar contained in dairy products. For those who are lactose intolerant, it is difficult for their bodies to process lactose properly. Adults can often detect when they may be lactose intolerant. However, this is something that is not easy for children to identify or describe. If you believe your child may be lactose intolerant, there are some warning signs that you can look for.
Step 1
Pay attention to any changes in your child's bowel movements. While he may seem to be able to consume foods or beverages containing lactose without any problems, he may be feeling the effects later. Diarrhea is a common symptom of lactose intolerance. It can take up to two hours to see any potential effects on the body.
Step 2
Observe whether your child experiences any bloating or gas after consuming food items that contain lactose. Gas is a common side effect of lactose intolerance as the body attempts to process the lactose.
Step 3
Pay attention to any complaints from your child, especially stomach aches. You may not always notice the symptoms of lactose intolerance, so indications from your child may be the only warnings you have. Try to narrow down any foods or beverages that your child has consumed. If dairy is a common ingredient, it is possible that he may be suffering from lactose intolerance.
Step 4
Test your suspicions by substituting lactose-free foods into your child's diet. There are a number of lactose-free milk, cheese and yogurt products. Pay attention to how your child's body responds to the lactose-free products versus regular dairy products.
Step 5
Have your suspicions confirmed by scheduling a visit with your child's pediatrician. She can test to determine whether he is lactose intolerant. She may administer a series of food allergy tests to rule out other allergens which may have caused similar symptoms.
