If you have a lactase deficiency, lactose can cause digestive problems. Lactose doesn't cause any long-term damage or disease, but ingesting dairy products when you are lactose intolerant can trigger unpleasant symptoms. Lactose is a sugar found in dairy products like milk. The body creates enzymes to help digest sugars. When you ingest lactose, the enzyme lactase is needed to break the lactose down into simple sugars. If you have a lactose intolerance, digestive complications occur within 30 minutes to two hours.
Causes
The most common cause of lactose intolerance is aging. As you age, your small intestines stop producing as much lactase. Most lactose intolerance symptoms appear in adolescence, but can form later in adulthood. Premature babies may be born with lactose intolerance but will typically develop lactase around the day of their projected due date. Stomach illness or surgery can cause temporary lactose problems. Some chronic digestive diseases, such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease, may cause permanent lactose intolerance.
Digestive Problems
Lactose intolerance causes mainly digestive problems. The lactose isn't digested in the small intestines and makes its way to the large intestines, where bacteria interact with it, causing common symptoms. The interaction with the bacterium causes bloating, gas, cramping, diarrhea, foul-smelling stools and nausea. Most symptoms subside within an hour or two, once the lactose is expelled from the body. If you notice blood in your stool or you develop diarrhea for more than two days, call your doctor.
Risks
Certain groups are at higher risk of developing problems digesting lactose. The condition is mostly seen in people of African, Asian, Native American and Hispanic descent. People of European descent have the lowest risk of developing lactose problems. Radiation to the abdomen increases the risk of lactose intolerance.
Solution
If you have lactose problems, talk with your doctor for a clinical diagnosis. Some people think they are lactose intolerant but they actually have a milk allergy, which is a more serious condition. If you are diagnosed with lactose intolerance, you can prevent symptoms by using a lactase enzyme. Lactase enzymes are the most effective when ingested before you take the first bite or drink of a dairy product. Lactase supplements are sold at the pharmacy without a prescription.
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