LactoseIntolerance.docVIP

Lactose Intolerance Lactose intolerance develops when the body has difficulty digesting whole and skim milk and other dairy products. Lactose is a milk sugar and like most sugars, it is broken down by enzymes in the intestinal tract so it can be absorbed as an energy source. The enzyme that breaks down lactose is called lactase. When the intestine does not contain lactase, then lactose intolerance can occur. It is a troublesome and annoying problem, but it is never a serious one. Who Has Lactose Intolerance?As commonly expected, infants and small children have the enzyme lactase so they can digest mothers milk. However, during childhood, lactase begins to disappear in many people. Some ethnic groups are more likely to develop lactose intolerance. By adolescence, it is gone in about 75% of African-Americans, Jews, Native Americans, Hispanic persons, and in 90% of Asians. So the condition is very common. What Are The Symptoms?When undigested lactose reaches the colon (large intestine), it is broken apart by bacteria. Lactic acid and other acidic chemicals result. It is these products that create the symptoms of lactose intolerance. These symptoms include nausea, abdominal cramps and rumbling, bloating, rectal gas (flatus), and diarrhea. They usually occur 30 minutes to two hours after ingesting lactose-containing foods. The severity of symptoms usually depends on the amount of lactose ingested and how much of the enzyme, lactase, remains in the intestinal tract. The DiagnosisFirst, the physician reviews the patients medical history. Sometimes that is enough to determine the problem. However, to make a definitive diagnosis, one of several tests may be needed: Lactose Tolerance Test - A test dose of lactose is ingested and blood sugar determinations are made over several hours. If lactase is present to break down the lactose load, then the blood sugar level rises. If no lactase is present, the blood sugar level does not change. Hydrogen Breath Test - When lactos