Lactose intolerance is a common condition in the United States. It affects between 30 and 50 million people in America, according to 2006 data from the Baby Center. While lactose intolerance is a common food intolerance, it rarely affects babies. Full-term babies normally produce large amounts of lactase, the enzyme that digests lactose, a sugar found in breast milk and cow's milk. Secondary lactose intolerance is an intolerance towards lactose that results from a digestive injury or medical condition.
Primary versus Secondary Lactose Intolerance
Primary lactose intolerance is the most common type of lactose intolerance. It is the natural progression of the small intestines slowing down the production of lactase as a person matures. Secondary lactose intolerance occurs after the baby has experienced a digestive complication. The Baby Center states that no one knows why the body stops making lactase after an injury. Secondary lactose intolerance in babies is commonly the result of celiac disease, Crohn's disease or the stomach flu.
Causes
Celiac and Crohn's disease are genetic digestive disorders that cannot be prevented. Celiac disease is an intolerance of gluten that causes damage to the villi in the small intestines. Symptoms of celiac disease include diarrhea, colic, gas, bloating and stomach pain after eating products that contain gluten. Crohn's disease is a chronic digestive condition that causes constant inflammation in the intestines. Viral gastroenteritis is another condition that can trigger secondary lactose intolerance in babies. This condition is also referred to as the stomach flu and is preventable through hand washing and keeping your baby away from people who are contagious with the flu.
Symptoms
It is important to know the symptoms of secondary lactose intolerance in your baby so you can identify the condition. Lactose intolerance in babies is commonly mistaken for a milk allergy. A milk allergy will cause more symptoms than just in the digestive tract. Lactose intolerant symptoms in a baby include excessive crying, foul-smelling gas, diarrhea, colic and a descended stomach. Symptoms can range from mild to severe but will always occur within 30 minutes to 2 hours after drinking milk.
Treatment
Secondary lactose intolerance is treated the same way in babies as primary lactose intolerance. If your baby is breast-fed, you can pump your breast milk and add the lactase enzyme using a supplement. If your baby is bottle-fed, you can purchase lactose-free baby formula or soy-based formula. All treatments need to be implemented under the supervision of your doctor.
References
- The Baby Center; Lactose Intolerance; August, 2006
- MayoClinic.com; Lactose Intolerance; February 16, 2010
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Celiac Disease; September 2010
- U.S. National Library of Medicine; Viral Gastroenteritis; April 12, 2010
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Crohn's Disease; February, 2006
