Pseudomembranous colitis refers to an inflammation of the colon caused by the overgrowth of clostridium difficile bacteria. Clostridium difficile bacteria are usually present in the intestines. Pseudomembranous colitis often occurs after antibiotic use. Antibiotics destroy beneficial bacteria that prevent the overgrowth of clostridium difficile bacteria. Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose, a type of sugar found in milk and dairy products. Pseudomembranous colitis may cause lactose intolerance.
Lactose Intolerance and Pseudomembranous Colitis
Clostridium difficile bacteria releases powerful toxins that inflames the lining of the intestine and may damage intestinal cells. Damaged intestine cells may not release enough lactase enzyme needed to digest lactose, leading to lactose intolerance. Patients with severely damaged intestinal cells may experience permanent lactose intolerance . Patients with pseudomembranous colitis should seek early treatment to prevent damage to the cells in the intestines.
Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance
Patients with lactose intolerance experience symptoms 30 minutes to 2 hours after drinking milk or eating dairy products, according to PubMedHealth. Symptoms include intestinal gas, abdominal cramps, abdominal bloating, diarrhea and nausea, according to MayoClinic.com. Larger servings of dairy products may worsen symptoms than smaller portions.
Lactose Intolerance Management
Symptoms of lactose intolerance are managed with dietary changes. Most people with lactose intolerance tolerate small amounts of lactose in the diet. Milk and dairy products should be introduced slowly to enable the body to adapt to them. Lactose-free milk products are available for patients who cannot tolerate even the smallest amounts of lactose. Lactase-enzyme tablets are available over-the-counter. Taking the tablets at the same time with milk and dairy products helps the body digest lactose.
Symptoms of Pseudomembranous Colitis
Patients with pseudomembranous colitis experience symptoms such as abdominal cramps, bloody stools, watery diarrhea, mucus in stool, dehydration, constant urge to have bowel movement, fever and nausea, according to PubMedHealth. Patients who notice symptoms of pseudomembranous colitis after antibiotic use should seek immediate treatment to prevent developing lactose intolerance and other complications.
