Lactose intolerance treatment and diet in Frederick and Bethesda, US
Symptoms:
The symptoms occur after consuming dairy products and include:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Gas
Causes:
Lactose intolerance can be primary or secondary. Primary lactose intolerance is genetically determined and occurs more in people of African, Hispanic, Asian and Mediterranean descent. Secondary lactose intolerance is due to an infection, injury, surgery or disease of the small bowel (such as Celiac disease, Crohn’s disease and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth).
Diagnosis:
The diagnosis can be made clinically if the symptoms are typical and resolve with avoiding dairy products. If needed a hydrogen breath test can be performed to detect lactose intolerance.
Treatment:
The treatment options include:
- Avoiding dairy products
- Buying lactose reduced or lactose free products
- Using Lactase supplements before consuming any lactose containing products.