Individuals who are lactose intolerant are unable to properly digest foods or drinks that contain the sugar lactose, found in milk and most dairy products. The small intestine produces an enzyme known as lactase, which is needed to digest lactose. The absence of this enzyme leads to warning symptoms that typically are not dangerous, just unpleasant. You can control the discomfort of lactose intolerance by limiting dairy products in your diet.
General Digestive Distress
The warning symptoms of lactose intolerance are all related to the gastrointestinal system and vary according to the individual. Usually, however, after ingesting foods or beverages that contain lactose, you will experience symptoms within 20 to 30 minutes, according to MedlinePlus. The most typical symptom is an upset stomach, which can range in the degree of discomfort. Lactose intolerance is more common among African Americans, Hispanic and Asian Americans, and American Indians, and is least common among Americans of northern European descent. If you belong to one of these susceptible populations and have been experiencing general stomach distress after consuming food or beverages containing milk, you might consider getting a work-up by your doctor to evaluate you for this condition.
Nausea and Gas
If you are lactose intolerant, you may experience some nausea along with increased gas and a bloated feeling, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. While these symptoms are not usually dangerous, caution is always needed. If you develop the warning sign of persistent vomiting for longer than 6 hours or if you spike a temperature of over 101 degrees, seek medical attention immediately.
Abdominal Pain
Individuals who are lactose intolerant also may develop abdominal pain or stomach cramping after ingesting a product that contains lactose. This warning sign may produce some discomfort, but generally is not considered to be serious. Contact your physician immediately, however, if the abdominal pain persists or increases in severity.
Diarrhea
When the enzyme lactase is not present, the majority of the lactose in your gastrointestinal tract moves through unprocessed into the colon, where it comes into contact with normal intestinal bacteria. This can produce symptoms such as diarrhea. Diarrhea needs to be monitored, however, because of the potential for dehydration from fluid loss. Warning signs such as black or red stool, indicative of blood in the stool, or persistent diarrhea that lasts several days need immediate medical attention. Therefore, if you notice color changes in your stools or any of these warning symptoms, notify your physician immediately for an evaluation.
