Lactose is a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. Though infants are born able to digest lactose from breast milk, some children may develop lactose intolerance as they enter their toddler years. Lactose intolerance is due to low levels of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose into simple sugars so that your body can absorb it.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is not the same condition as a milk allergy. Most people with lactose intolerance can drink small amounts of milk at a time. When your body does not break the lactose sugar down, bacteria in your intestines ferment lactose, producing a large amount of gas. Undigested lactose also pulls a large amount of water into the intestines, resulting in diarrhea.
Signs
According to the National Institutes of Health, the most common symptoms of lactose intolerance are abdominal bloating, cramping, diarrhea, gas and nausea. These symptoms occur 30 minutes to two hours after drinking milk or eating a milk-containing product. Your child may cry, complain or avoid eating due to the cramping and nausea. Over time, lactose-intolerant children may show slower growth or weight loss.
Incidence
Lactose intolerance is rare in children younger than 3, although some premature infants exhibit lactose intolerance. Caucasian children may not show signs of lactose intolerance until age 5. African-American children may shown signs as young as 2. Lactose intolerance is more common in people with Asian, African, Native American or Mediterranean heritage.
Tests
Your doctor can perform tests to verify whether your child is lactose intolerant. These tests may include enteroscopy to examine the condition of your child's small intestines, where lactose is broken down. Your doctor may perform a lactose tolerance test by administering a drink containing lactose to see if your child exhibits symptoms within two hours. Your doctor will also monitor your child's breath to determine whether gases emitted during fermentation are detectable. Lactose fermentation will change the pH, or level of acidity or alkalinity, of stool, which can be detected in a stool sample.
Treatment
Decreasing the consumption of milk products is the easiest way to treat lactose intolerance. However, you do not need to avoid feeding your child milk altogether. According to the National Institutes of Health, your child should be able to drink 2 to 4 oz. of milk at a time without symptoms, depending on her level of lactose intolerance. Some dairy products, including buttermilk, yogurt, goat's milk, lactose-free milk and soy-based formulas, contain lower levels of lactose and may be more easily digested.
