Lactose intolerance – causes, symptoms & therapy

Lactose intolerance

Milk sugar intolerance or lactose intolerance is an intolerance to milk sugar, which manifests itself in various gastrointestinal problems. It is easily treatable these days. However, it cannot be prevented.

What is lactose intolerance?

A lactose intolerance is an intolerance to milk sugar. The small intestine is unable to process the substance, which means it ends up in the large intestine. There, the bacteria access the lactose, which causes problems for digestion . In addition to abdominal pain, the main symptoms are flatulence, nausea and a strong feeling of discomfort.

causes

Lactose intolerance is basically caused by a lack of the enzyme lactase. However, this deficiency can have different causes. Depending on the underlying cause, the disease can be more or less pronounced. In the case of primary lactose intolerance, the first symptoms appear in childhood and adolescence.Those affected cannot digest the lactose because the cells in the mucous membrane of the small intestine produce too little lactase or no lactase at all. As a result, the lactose reaches the large intestine undigested. The bacteria located there attack the lactose and trigger the usual symptoms. In particular, the fermentation processes, which lead to the formation of various gases, are problematic. They bloat the stomach and also lead to flatulence and other gastrointestinal problems .

When to the doctor?

A lactose intolerance, like many other intolerances and diseases, is individual for each affected person. The symptoms are often minor and are not consciously perceived in everyday life – often even confused with other diseases or complaints. It only becomes problematic when lactose intolerance restricts or even torments those affected in everyday life.

Medical help should be sought as soon as possible, ideally directly from a specialist (gastroenterologist). There are a number of support measures that the doctor treating you can adapt individually to the symptoms of lactose intolerance. If the diagnosis has not yet been confirmed, various examinations, usually breath tests, are carried out beforehand.

In the case of an existing disease, the patient is advised about the various treatment options. It is often helpful to take so-called lactase enzymes in the form of capsules or small tablets from a dispenser before any lactose-containing food. However, the doctor treating you can only make recommendations here – the patient has to pay for the enzymes themselves, as they are not part of the medicinal product ordinance. The doctor will also discuss with the patient whether a lactose-free diet, which can be purchased in large variety in supermarkets, is a supplement or substitute for lactase enzymes.

symptoms and course

Typical symptoms of lactose intolerance:

Lactose intolerance is associated with a number of clear symptoms. These mainly affect the gastrointestinal tract, but can vary greatly. Typical symptoms of lactose intolerance are the aforementioned intestinal gas and associated intestinal noises. Abdominal pain and a strong feeling of fullness are also known symptoms. The same applies to the so-called bloated stomach, which can be recognized by an enlargement of the abdomen.

Those affected also experience nausea and, in some cases, vomiting. Due to the water-binding effect of lactose, diarrhea and general irritation of the gastrointestinal tract occur. The symptoms are varied, but they can also be the result of other diseases and food intolerances . They often appear for no apparent reason and disappear again after a while. It is therefore difficult to associate the side effects with lactose intolerance.

The course of lactose intolerance depends on the form. The natural form lasts for life from the onset of the disease and usually does not pose any health risks. If it is severe, foods containing lactose must be avoided. If those affected continue to consume such foods, this can be harmful in the long term.

In particular, the body loses fluids and minerals as a result of persistent diarrhea , which significantly impairs the quality of life. Galactosemia is much more serious. This form of lactose intolerance can only be counteracted by dieting . Otherwise, it will also result in severe health damage. However, both forms are rarely fatal.

Diagnose

Many of those affected can diagnose lactose intolerance themselves. This occurs due to persistent problems after consuming dairy products. Nevertheless, a doctor should be consulted so that other diseases can be ruled out. The doctor carries out a so-called H2 breath test. A test solution containing lactose is administered. The patient then blows several times into a breath measuring device, which measures the hydrogen content in the breath.

This can be used to determine whether a lactose intolerance is present or not. Since the severity of the intolerance can vary greatly, further investigations must be carried out in order to be certain. For example, a blood sugar test, a genetic test and, in very rare cases, a biopsy . Finally, the doctor conducts a detailed conversation with the patient, in which the symptoms are explained in detail and possible treatment approaches are discussed.

treatment and therapy

Lactose intolerance is primarily treated by avoiding lactose-containing foods and drinks. In the first three to four weeks after the diagnosis, a complete avoidance of appropriate foods is advisable. This relieves the burden on the intestines and any lactose that is present can be excreted. After this so-called waiting period, the consumption of lactose can slowly be increased again. Nevertheless, the gastrointestinal tract must continue to be spared, which is usually done with a light diet.

Those affected can often consume small amounts of lactose again after the closed season, although this always depends on the severity of the intolerance. Here the self-test comes first. In addition to this waiver, there is now also the option of taking the missing enzyme in tablet form. Lactase is also available in powder form or as a drink and allows sufferers to eat normally . However, the corresponding preparations are very expensive and are not paid for by statutory health insurance. Since many patients also suffer from fructose malabsorption at the same time, tablets or pills should only be taken after consultation with the doctor.

prevention

In principle, it is not possible to prevent lactose intolerance. Lactase deficiency is congenital and therefore inevitable if the disposition is present. However, possible side effects and associated restrictions on the quality of life can be avoided. To do this, it is necessary to recognize the intolerance at an early stage and to take appropriate measures.

In addition to avoiding lactose, it is also important to protect the gastrointestinal tract in the case of lactose intolerance. When choosing a diet, it is particularly important to recognize hidden lactose. Especially in ready meals, lactose is often contained and can lead to problems, so a balanced, healthy diet is recommended.

Dorothy Farrar

Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.

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