Lactose Intolerance

Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest a sugar, found in milk and in lesser extent dairy products, called lactase.  It is genetically determined characteristic not a disorder as such. (Wikipedia, The free encylcopedia, 2013)

Names for lactose intolerance

The common name of the disease is Lactose intolerance.  The scientific names include:

• Lactose Malabsorption
• Lactase nonpersistence
• Adult- type Hypolactasia
• Heredity Lactase deficiency

(NICHD, 2013)

• Disaccharidasse deficiency

 (University of Maryland Medical center, 2013)

Diagnosis of lactose intolerance

To diagnose lactose two tests are commonly used, the hydrogen breath test and Stool acidity test. (National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, 2012).  

The hydrogen breath test works by consuming 25 grams of lactose in water.  If the lactose cannot be digested the enteric bacteria metabolise it and produce hydrogen and methane. This can be detected on the patient’s breath. (Wikipedia, The free encylcopedia, 2013)  The doctor would have breath sample before the lactose and then every 30 minutes, for 2 hours, after the lactose a breath sample will be taken and measured for hydrogen. (Kids Health, 2013)

The stool acidity works by taking a stool (faeces sample) and then it is tested against the ph scale for acidity.  If the stool has a ph level lower than 5.5 the patient is lactose intolerant. (Wikipedia, The free encylcopedia, 2013)Undigested lactose creates lactic acid and other fatty acids.  Glucose may also present.  This test is mainly use on infants younger than 2 years of age (National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, 2012).  

People most likely to suffer from lactose intolerance

The people who are at risk at getting lactose intolerance are people of Asian, African Native American and Hispanic background.  Also people with digestive tract problems, people on certain medications, children with a bout of diarrhoea (temporary lactose intolerance) and the elderly are at risk (Kids Health, 2013)  Children who are born prematurely can suffer from lactose intolerance as the levels of lactose increase only in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. (National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, 2012)

Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance  

The symptoms of lactose intolerance ,between 30 minutes and 2 hours, after consuming dairy products include abdominal bloating, cramps, flatulence, diarrhoea, nausea, borborygmi (a rumbling stomach) and vomiting(especially in children) .  (Wikipedia, The free encylcopedia, 2013).  There also may be some bloating.  (Web MD, 2013)The severity of the symptoms depends on the quantity of dairy products consumed.  Most lactose intolerant people can withstand a small amount of lactose without having symptoms. (Wikipedia, The free encylcopedia, 2013)  Infants or children may have a stunt in their growth and body mass loss. (University of Maryland Medical center, 2013)

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The causes of lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance is the result of a lactase deficiency. This is environment created or a genetic in heritance.  Either way the symptoms are created by insufficient levels of lactase it the duodenum. Therefore the undigested lactose lands up in the colon and is fermented and gases created which is the reason for the abdominal symptoms.  The fermentation also leads to an increase of water in the bowels (Wikipedia, The free encylcopedia, 2013).  

Treatment of lactose intolerance

There is no treatment proven for lactose intolerance however it can be managed The patient must just control the amount of dairy products and lactose product he/she intakes.  The patient must consume some dairy products as if they do not they may contract a vitamin D or calcium deficiency. (National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, 2012)

However some research has shown that some patients can be rehabilitated to dairy products by consuming small amounts of dairy products over a period of time.  This is only in certain cases. (Wikipedia, The free encylcopedia, 2013)