Digestive Disorders

What is lactose intolerance?

Lactose intolerance is a condition caused by a lack of an enzyme called lactase, which, in turn, causes the body to be unable to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk products.

Lactase is normally produced in the small intestine where it breaks lactose down into a form that can be absorbed by the blood. A lack of lactase can cause uncomfortable symptoms for some people. Those who do exhibit the symptoms are said to be lactose intolerant.

Thirty to 50 million Americans (adults and children) are lactose intolerant. The disorder affects some populations more than others:

• Seventy-five percent of all African-Americans and Native Americans are lactose intolerant.

• Ninety percent of Asian-Americans are lactose intolerant.

• Lactose intolerance is least common among people with a northern European heritage.

What causes lactose intolerance?

Digestive diseases or injuries to the small intestine can reduce the amount of enzymes produced, and is the usual cause of lactose intolerance in young children. However, most cases of lactose intolerance develop over a period of many years in adults.

What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance?

The following are the most common symptoms of lactose intolerance. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently.

Common symptoms, which begin about 30 minutes to two hours after consuming foods or beverages containing lactose, may include:

• nausea
• cramps
• bloating
• gas
• diarrhea

The severity of symptoms varies depending on the amount of lactose consumed and the amount each individual can tolerate.

The symptoms of lactose intolerance may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

How is lactose intolerance diagnosed?

The most common diagnostic tests (performed on an outpatient basis at a hospital, clinic, or physician's office) used to measure the absorption of lactose in the digestive system include the following:

• lactose tolerance test
  This test measures the absorption of lactose in the digestive system. Beginning with fasting before the test and then drinking a liquid that contains lactose, several blood samples are taken over a two-hour period to measure the person's blood glucose (blood sugar) level. The blood glucose test indicates how well the body is able to digest lactose.

• hydrogen breath test
  The patient drinks a lactose-heavy beverage, and the breath is analyzed at regular intervals to measure the amount of hydrogen. Undigested lactose in the colon is fermented by bacteria, resulting in the production of various gases, including hydrogen. When high levels of hydrogen are present in the breath, improper digestion of lactose is diagnosed.

Treatment for lactose intolerance:

Specific treatment for lactose intolerance will be determined by your physician based on:

• your age, overall health, and medical history
• extent of the condition
• your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• expectations for the course of the condition
• your opinion or preference

Although there is not a treatment to improve the body's ability to produce lactase, symptoms caused by lactose intolerance can be controlled with a proper diet. In addition, lactase enzymes may be suggested by your physician.

Young children with lactase deficiency should be under the care of a physician.