Low amounts of the enzyme lactase in the gastrointestinal system can lead to a condition called lactose intolerance, according to MayoClinic.com. If you have lactose intolerance, you often develop gas, bloating and diarrhea when you consume milk and other dairy products. Certain ethnic or racial populations like people of African, Jewish or Mexican descent tend to more commonly suffer from this condition, as noted by The Cleveland Clinic. However, certain diseases or conditions can cause lactose intolerance in a person who previously did not have the condition.
Celiac Disease
In celiac disease, the small intestine is damaged, which affects how well the intestine absorbs foods; the substance gluten, which is found in wheat, rye and barley, causes these changes, according to PubMed Health. Celiac disease is also a secondary cause of lactose intolerance. In a 2005 issue of the journal "Digestion," V. Ojetti and colleagues found that 24 percent of patients with lactose intolerance also tested positive for celiac disease. In many cases, once you change your diet by eliminating gluten products like bread, pasta and beer, the lactose intolerance often improves. The lactose intolerance may take one or two years to resolve after treatment starts, as noted by Coeliac UK.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are forms of inflammatory bowel disease and can be associated with lactose intolerance, according to The Cleveland Clinic. The inflammation of the cells in the gastrointestinal tract can decrease the production of lactase, which can contribute to lactose intolerance, as noted by the Medical University of South Carolina. Treatment of the inflammatory bowel disease and lowering the level of inflammation in the intestines can improve the condition. Dairy products may still be a problem for you if you have inflammatory bowel disease because dairy may also be a trigger food which may lead to a flare of your condition.
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is an infection of the intestines that can be caused by a virus, bacteria or other type of germs. The diarrhea associated with this infection may be short-lived or last for many days, as noted by Patient.co.uk. The linings of the intestine may be damaged by the infection, which may lead to lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance associated with gastroenteritis will typically improve as the intestine heals; you should limit your dairy intake for a few weeks after resolution of the gastroenteritis, according to the McKinley Health Center.
Radiation or Chemotherapy Intestinal Damage
After chemotherapy or radiation therapy, you may develop lactose intolerance even if you could tolerate milk or cheese before the therapy. These treatments work by destroying cancer cells and the damage to the cells of the intestine may cause a decrease in the lactase enzyme, as noted by American Institute for Cancer Research. For most people, the condition will improve over time but you will have to decrease your dairy intake during the recovery. You can also use lactase enzyme products like Lactaid or other versions that you can purchase over the counter from a drug or vitamin store.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Lactose intolerance; February 2010
- PubMed Heatlh; Celiac disease - sprue; January 2010
- "Digestion"; High Prevalence of Celiac Disease in Patients with Lactose Intolerance; V. Ojetti et al.; 2005
- Medical University of South Carolina: Diseases: Small Bowel: Lactose Intolerance
- Patient.co.uk; Gastroenteritis in Adults; November 2009
- American Institute for Cancer Research: CancerResource: Treatment and Care
