- Lactose Intolerance.

Lactose Intolerance

Def:- lactose intolerance is the inability to digest dairy products containing lactose, most notably milk.

Lactose is a sugar that is broken down in the body by an enzyme called lactase.

Lactase is normally secreted by cells lining the small intestine, and breaks down lactose into glucose& galactose.

Cause of Lactose Intolerance:-

When lactase is deficient, undigested lactose begins to ferment in the lower intestines.

symptoms of Lactose Intolerance:-

This can cause physical discomfort :-
- bloating(إنتفاخ).
- nausea.
- gas.
- cramps.
- diarrhea.

The severity of the physical discomforts will depend on how much lactase a person produces in relation to how much lactose is consumed. For example, one glass of milk may not cause a person any problems, while two glasses could.


N.B:-

While it is rare for children to be born without the ability to produce lactase, after about 2 years of age the body's production of this enzyme diminishes. It's not unusual then that so many adults are affected by lactose intolerance to varying degrees.

Diagnosis:-
1- - A lactose-rich liquid is consumed after a short fast.
- The doctor might then draw several blood samples over a 2-hour period to see how the body is digesting the lactose.
- If digested properly, it should be converted to glucose that will be found the blood.
- Or, if you opt for the hydrogen breath test, your breath will be tested for the presence of hydrogen. Hydrogen is normally not present in the breath except in very small quantities, but fermenting lactose will produce greater amounts of hydrogen that will be detected and measured.

2- - If a very young child or an infant needs to be tested for lactose intolerance, an alternate test is available that checks for acidity in the stool.
- Undigested lactose creates lactic acid and other fatty acids that will be found in the stool sample.

Traetment:-
- Lactose intolerance is controlled through diet. Often a small amount of lactose is fine and it is simply a matter of finding your level of tolerance and limiting foods with lactose content.
- Lactase enzymes are also available over the counter. Taken with lactose food, the enzymes break down the lactose for your body.
- Lactose-reduced dairy products are also an option.

- Lactose intolerant people may be concerned about calcium intake. Many non-dairy foods are high in calcium, such as green vegetables like broccoli and kale. Some types of fish are also high in calcium.


Lactose intolerance can be annoying but it is not a serious concern, nor is it a food allergy. If you do have an allergy to dairy products this can produce more severe effects.

With my best wishes
Dr-hema