Lactose intolerance, or the inability to digest naturally occuring sugar in cow's milk, affects roughly 30 million Americans by age 20, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Colitis is a chronic disease that causes inflammation and sores in the lining of your rectum and colon. Although they differ in severity and treatment, similarities between the two conditions can lead to confusion, when one is mistaken for the other. If you exhibit signs of lactose intolerance or colitis, seek medical guidance.
Shared Symptoms
One reason lactose intolerance may be mistaken for colitis, or vice versa, is because both conditions may cause similar symptoms, including abdominal pain or cramping, gas, diarrhea, reduced appetite, unintentional weight loss and dehydration. In severe cases, children with lactose intolerance and/or colitis may develop at a reduced rate. Because symptoms of both conditions may be triggered or worsened by eating, determining whether dairy products or other foods are problematic can be difficult, particularly if you consume dairy products regularly.
Complications
Treatment for lactose intolerance typically involves limiting or avoiding dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, ice cream and cheese, or taking lactase enzymes, which help your body digest the natural sugar. Mistaking lactose intolerance for colitis may lead you to avoid foods associated with colitis flare-ups, such as spicy and fiber-rich foods, which isn't necessary if you're merely unable to digest milk products. If colitis is mistaken for lactose intolerance, limiting dairy products won't likely provide long-term symptom relief. When colitis symptoms remain unmanaged, they can lead to more serious complications, such as nutrient deficiencies and an increased risk for osteoporosis and bone fractures.
Proper Diagnosis
If you or your doctor suspects that you have colitis, a physical exam is the first diagnostic step. Blood tests can reveal a high white blood cell count, which indicates inflammation in the body, or anemia, which can stem from bleeding in your rectum or colon. Your doctor may examine a stool sample to check for bleeding or conduct a colonoscopy, which is the most accurate method for diagnosing colitis, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Center Clearinghouse. A blood test can also reveal lactose intolerance. Avoiding dairy products and then reintroducing them to your diet can also reveal whether your symptoms are linked with lactose. If you experience digestive symptoms only when consuming dairy products, lactose is a likely culprit.
Suggestions
When you schedule a medical appointment to determine whether you have colitis, MayoClinic.com recommends asking whether you should avoid particular foods beforehand. Keeping a food diary that details your food consumption and symptoms can help you and your doctor determine whether dairy products, other foods or colitis are at hand. Take note of emotional factors, such as stressful situations, which may also contribute to colitis. If you feel you've received a misdiagnosis, consult your doctor or consider a second medical opinion. Seeking guidance from a gastroenterologist who specializes in inflammatory bowel diseases and food intolerances can help ensure a thorough and accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.
