Symptoms
More information on the topic: Symptoms of lactose intoleranceLactose intolerance is characterized by digestive problems after the consumption of lactose-containing foods and beverages. These include dairy products such as milk, cream, yoghurt, cream or powdered milk and some types of cheese, especially fresh cheeses. The more lactose, i.e. milk sugar, is consumed, the more serious the complaints of those affected become.
The ability to use milk can also be partially retained, which results in milder symptoms. The symptoms of lactose intolerance include It is common that lactose intolerance only occurs in adolescence or adulthood. The cause is the loss of the lactose-cleaving enzyme lactase.
During the first years of life, it fulfils its main task, namely to split lactose from breast milk and make it usable. From a purely evolutionary point of view, this ability is no longer necessary later on.That is why lactose intolerance in adulthood is very common in the world population with 70%. In Germany, the rate is only 15%, as we have become accustomed to the consumption of dairy products in the course of evolution.
- Cramp-like abdominal pain
- Watery to foamy diarrhea
- Flatulence
A congenital lactase deficiency occurs much less frequently than an acquired lactase deficiency. It is already noticeable in the first weeks of life. Affected children suffer from severe diarrhea, are malnourished, dehydrated and appear apathetic.
Vomiting can also occur. These babies must be given a completely lactose-free infant formula and consistently avoid lactose. The genetic defect is rare and is inherited when both parents are affected themselves.
Temporary lactose intolerance is not uncommon in premature babies, as lactase (which breaks down the sugar and makes it usable) is only formed in the last weeks of pregnancy. In this case, lactose-free nutrition is also used initially. In this case, however, the lactose intolerance is temporary.
Weight gain is not one of the symptoms of lactose intolerance. However, the opposite may be the case. The affected person ingests lactose-containing food that cannot be split in the intestine.
The sugar is not absorbed and remains in the intestines, where it draws water and causes flatulence and diarrhoea. Due to the loss of water, the patient loses fluid and weight. Diarrhoea is a possible symptom of lactose intolerance.
Especially after eating lactose-containing food and drinks, diarrhoea should be considered as a symptom of lactose intolerance. The affected person’s bowel movements are very voluminous, watery or foamy. In addition, frequent excretion of stool occurs.
The reason for this is that the lactose that cannot be used remains in the intestine. These draw a lot of water, which is then excreted in increased amounts. Diarrhoea is also a symptom of numerous other diseases.
In the physician discussion it should be dealt with whether the occurrence is connected with the income of certain meals. or diarrhea after milk consumption – which is behind it Constipation does not belong necessarily to the classical symptoms of a lactose intolerance. Mostly the opposite is rather the case, namely the occurrence of diarrhoea.
However, it is possible that the decomposition of lactose in the large intestine by bacteria produces gas that slows down the activity of the intestine. Paradoxically, lactose intolerance can also lead to constipation. A classic symptom of lactose intolerance is flatulence after the consumption of dairy products.
The flatulence (medically flatulence) is caused by the breakdown of lactose in the large intestine by bacteria that are naturally present there. The resulting gases, especially carbon dioxide and methane, cause abdominal pain and foul-smelling intestinal wind. Traditionally, heartburn is not one of the symptoms of lactose intolerance.
Since each person affected can develop different symptoms and to different degrees, heartburn with no other cause should also be tested for possible lactose intolerance, especially after consumption of dairy products. Heartburn is actually a symptom of reflux, the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus. One cause of this is the ingestion of fatty meals. Dairy products can therefore cause heartburn due to their fat content.
