Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is a medical condition where people are (or become) unable to digest the sugar in cow milk called lactose. If the lactase enzyme in the small intestine is deficient or if there is an inadequate amount, this condition will occur. This is because lactase is responsible for breaking down the lactose in milk. The resulting symptoms of lactose intolerance can be painful and sometimes embarrassing gastrointestinal issues and in some cases migraine headaches.

The condition usually develops with age and affects certain races more than others. Lactose intolerance is common and easily diagnosed by a doctor.

Some of the symptoms of lactose intolerance are:

• Diarrhea – This is when a person has more than three bowel movements that are extremely loose and/or in a liquid or watery state. This will cause the person to become dehydrated if not properly replacing their fluids. It can be controlled by over-the-counter medications, as left untreated could cause eventual death via dehydration.

• Flatulence – This is when the intestines have a buildup of excessive gas, which is the byproduct of ingested food and/or drink. It can cause an embarrassing sound and odor when expelled through the rectum by the peristaltic process.

• Pain in the abdomen – This can occur from the digestive system struggling to breakdown the lactose as well as from the development of diarrhea and/or gas.

• Bloating – This can occur for the same reasons that cause abdominal pain.

• Nausea – This is when the upper stomach becomes upset and the feeling of needing to expel its contents up through the esophagus and out of the mouth arises. This uncomfortable sensation can also be quelled by over-the-counter medicines.

• Migraine headaches – This is a less common of the symptoms of lactose intolerance, and usually only felt by those that suffer them in the first place. These are headaches that are accompanied by light and sound sensitivity and sometimes tingling or numbness in the hands and other body parts.

These symptoms of lactose intolerance can cause pain and discomfort for half an hour and sometimes up to two or more hours. Each person suffering from the symptoms of lactose intolerance will experience them in a varied degree. For example, one person can drink a glass of milk and only have gas while another could get bloating and diarrhea. It all depends on the severity of their condition and the amount of milk based product they have consumed. Therefore, it is best for anyone experiencing any of these symptoms to schedule a doctor’s appointment for proper diagnosis and treatment.