Lactose intolerance

Overview

The body needs lactase to digest lactose. Many people make less lactase after childhood.

It's different from a milk allergy, which involves the immune system and can cause hives or breathing trouble.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Belly trouble after dairy
• Bloating or gas
• Diarrhea

Less common

• Cramps
• Nausea

When to get medical care

Causes

The small intestine makes too little lactase, often with age, after a gut infection, or from conditions like celiac disease.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Asian, African, Hispanic, or Native American heritage
• Celiac or Crohn's disease

Possible complications

• Celiac disease: Can look similar

Diagnosis

A healthcare professional asks what happens after dairy.

Questions you may be asked

• Symptoms after milk, cheese, or ice cream

The exam

A belly exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Hydrogen breath test: Measures gas after drinking lactose.
• Trial without dairy: For 2 weeks.

Treatment

Most people can still have some dairy.

Self-care

• Try small amounts with meals
• Choose lactose-free milk, yogurt, and hard cheeses
• Get calcium and vitamin D from other foods if you cut back

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

You can't prevent it, but you can:

• Find how much dairy you can handle

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a gastroenterologist (stomach and gut doctor).

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Babies: True lactose intolerance in babies is rare; ask about formula changes.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Lactose intolerance is easy to manage with diet.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• Food and symptom diary

Questions to ask

• Could this be celiac or another problem?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Lactose intolerance