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Problems Caused Due To Lactose Intolerance

An inability to digest lactose, giving gastrointestinal symptoms is referred to as lactose intolerance. The main reason for this is the deficiency of the intestinal enzyme lactase. A few of the primary symptoms of lactose intolerance are diarrhea, flatulence, abdominal pain, distention and nausea.

Dairy and dairy products will be a challenge for those who have lactose intolerance. Also, it is important to differentiate the symptoms from milk allergy and lactose intolerance. There are tests that can be performed to diagnose this condition.

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The undigested lactose will draws water into the intestine, producing diarrhea, and it will undergo fermentation by the bacteria in your colon, producing gas. Lactose intolerance is not a dangerous situation.

Problems Caused Due To Lactose Intolerance

Treatment includes dietary changes, supplements of lactase enzyme and adapting to increased amounts of milk. But, when you are not having adequate amount of milk and milk-containing products, you are depriving your body of calcium and Vitamin D. This can lead to bone diseases.

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There are many reasons why this deficiency occurs, where genetics is the most blamed culprit. Lactose intolerance can be divided into congenital, secondary or developmental. Irrespective of the causes, there are generally 5 problems that lactose intolerance causes, which are mentioned below.

Classic Symptoms
The problems caused due to lactose intolerance are mainly gastro-intestinal. You are most likely to experience this when you consume any dairy products.

This will include diarrhea, unintended weight loss, persistent vomiting, blood in stool, persistent fever and painful bowel movements. But, how much of dairy product is too much will depend on various factors.

Problems Caused Due To Lactose Intolerance

Digestive Ailments
Among the 5 problems that lactose intolerance causes, digestive ailments are quite common. Rule out the cause before you can be sure that it is surely lactose intolerance.

Consult a doctor to make the correct diagnosis. You are sure to face the symptoms each time you have any dairy products.

Immediate Symptoms
One of the problems caused due to lactose intolerance is that the symptoms will occur almost immediately. This acts more like an allergic reaction.

Symptoms like upset stomach, gas, bloating and diarrhea can occur a few hours after you have eaten something that contains lactose. This again depends on the person and the quantity that is consumed.

Celiac Disease
This is another one of the 5 problems that lactose intolerance causes. When you have a stomach flu or a celiac disease, the lining of the intestine can be sore or damaged.

In these cases, there are chances for a temporary sensitivity to lactose. These conditions usually last for a short period. When the intestine heals, you will be able to tolerate lactose again.

Problems Caused Due To Lactose Intolerance

Diarrhoea
The unsplit lactose that remain in the colon will cause the infiltration of water into the colon. This is based in the principle if on the osmosis. This will lead to diarrhea and abdominal pain.

Generally, diarrhea is the main symptom that will drive our attraction to lactose intolerance, in the case of infants.

There are varying degrees of lactose intolerance and the symptoms will vary depending on this. Some people get really sick and some people don’t realize any of the symptoms that lactose intolerance causes.

Story first published: Tuesday, June 2, 2015, 17:00 [IST]
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