Lactose intolerance is a common digestive condition that typically develops during adolescence. Lactose is a sugar found in cow's milk that is too complex for the body to absorb into the blood stream. If you're lactose intolerant, your body cannot break down the complex sugar into a simpler form, which leads to common signs and symptoms of intolerance to lactose. If you develop adverse reactions after consuming dairy products, talk to your doctor about further testing to diagnose your condition.
About Lactose Intolerance
Every time you eat a food or drink a beverage, your small intestine has to produce the right enzymes to break down the food or beverage so it can be absorbed into your blood. If you're lactose intolerant your small intestine does not create enough lactase, the enzyme needed to fully digest the lactose. If you're lactose intolerant you still may be able to eat a certain amount of diary without developing any symptoms. MayoClinic.com states that every person is intolerant to lactose to a certain degree, but only those with significant signs and symptoms are diagnosed with the condition.
Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance typically begin within 20 to 30 minutes after you consume a product that contains lactose. After you ingest the lactose, it sits in your gut waiting to be digested. Because your body doesn't produce enough lactase, the lactose will wait to be broken down by bacteria. The formation of the bacteria causes most of the signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance, such as bloating, gas, nausea, diarrhea, foul-smelling stools and stools that float, according to Kids Health.
Prevention
You can prevent the development of signs and symptoms from lactose intolerance. Before implementing any prevention or treatment, you need to talk with your doctor. You can purchase lactase enzyme supplements at any pharmacy. When you take this supplement during the first bite of the dairy product, it will prevent symptoms associated with the condition, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. You can also purchase lactose-free milk and dairy products that do not contain any lactose.
Consideration
The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse states that lactose intolerance is often confused with a milk protein allergy. If you develop other signs and symptoms unrelated to the digestive system, you may have a milk allergy. Common symptoms of a milk allergy include asthma, hives, facial swelling, skin irritation, nasal congestion and shortness of breath.
