Lactose is a sugar found in milk and its derivatives. The enzyme in our body responsible for digesting lactose is called lactase. Its deficiency causes a group of symptoms known as lactose intolerance.
Lactase deficiency can be congenital or acquired (gastroenteritis, intestinal diseases, etc.).
The most frequent manifestation is gastric discomfort that appears shortly after ingesting milk or a milk derivative. Sometimes it is a more intense discomfort described as colicky pain. It may be accompanied by abdominal distension, gas and diarrhea.
The diagnosis is made through clinical history and physical examination. It will be confirmed by blood tests, breath tests or stool analysis.
It will be treated by withdrawing the lactose intake and treating the cause. In those persons that it is impossible to withdraw completely the lactose, supplements of lactase (degrading enzyme) industrially produced can be administered. It may be necessary to supplement the diet with calcium since much of the body's calcium comes from milk and its derivatives.
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