Lactose intolerance

Previous: Milk protein allergy

Lactose Intolerance
1o Absence of lactase

2o No lactase caused by intestinal damage

Symptoms
Gas build up symptoms: Acidic and osmotic effects of undigested lactose:
 * Bloating
 * Flatulence
 * Abdominal discomfort
 * Loose water stools, which can cause urgency 1-2hours after ingestion
 * Perianal itching from acidic stools

Investigations
2 weeks lactose free diet, if the symptoms resolve and recur with reintroduction of lactose

Diagnostic tests include:
Lactose intolerance test

Breath hydrogen test

Biopsy (last resort)

Management
Everyone varies in the amount of lactose they can tolerate.

Yogurt and curds have higher fat content (slows gastric emptying) and are thicker so may be more tolerable

Next: Malaborption problems