What kind of milk should adults with lactose intolerance drink?

Written by Wu Hai Wu

Gastroenterology

Updated on September 09, 2024

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If an adult is lactose intolerant and allergic to drinking milk, they must drink milk that has undergone some special treatment. If it is not specially treated, drinking it can easily cause diarrhea.

Diarrhea from drinking milk may also be due to an allergy to a component of the milk. If that is the case, it is necessary to improve allergen detection and try to avoid drinking milk. If diarrhea is caused by poor digestion in the gastrointestinal tract, some medications that regulate intestinal flora can be used for supportive treatment.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

1min 26sec

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Symptoms of baby lactose intolerance

If a child has lactose intolerance, the main symptoms are related to the digestive system, such as frequent bloating. Children may experience bloating and restlessness at night, and even signs of intestinal colic. There are abnormal bowel movement frequencies, such as constipation for several days, as well as diarrhea with a noticeable increase in stool frequency and a looser stool consistency. Sometimes, there may be symptoms of bloody stools, which should alert caregivers to the possibility of lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is divided into primary and secondary forms. Primary lactose intolerance is more common in Chinese due to genetic factors. Secondary lactose intolerance is mainly due to other reasons that lead to a deficiency of intestinal lactase, with infections and acute gastroenteritis being common causes. For children with lactose intolerance, lactase can be added to breast milk or lactose-free formula can be used. It is also advised to regularly recheck urinary lactose levels. If levels return to normal, breastfeeding can continue. If abnormalities persist, gradually introduce solid foods, as a normal diet usually does not significantly affect the child.

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Written by Tong Peng

Pediatrics

49sec

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Do infants with lactose intolerance need to switch to a different formula?

Whether to switch formula for infants with lactose intolerance should be assessed based on the specific condition of the baby. If the baby's symptoms of lactose intolerance are mild, they can be managed by adding lactase and probiotics. However, if the baby has had diarrhea for a long time, frequent bowel movements, and also shows signs of reduced urine output, decreased skin turgor, and lethargy, it indicates a more severe dysfunction in the digestive system. In this case, it is necessary to switch to lactose-free formula to prevent exacerbation of gastrointestinal dysfunction. It is also important to pay attention to the baby's food hygiene and hand hygiene in daily life, especially during the peak season of diarrhea in autumn. It is advisable to get vaccinated in advance to prevent the transmission of other digestive system diseases.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu

Gastroenterology

33sec

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What should I do if lactose intolerance makes me feel like vomiting?

People with lactose intolerance often feel nauseous and should avoid drinking milk. If they must drink milk, it needs to undergo special treatment first. Consuming untreated milk can lead to diarrhea in lactose-intolerant individuals, and severe cases may result in dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Additionally, those with lactose intolerance should also check for any milk allergies or diarrhea caused by indigestion. It is essential to conduct allergen tests and, if necessary, take oral medication to regulate the digestive system.

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Written by Tong Peng

Pediatrics

1min 6sec

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What are the effects of lactose intolerance in infants?

Lactose intolerance in children primarily causes an imbalance in the gut microbiome, leading to digestive system symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The main mechanism is the insufficient secretion of lactase in the baby's intestines, which fails to digest and absorb lactose in food, resulting in symptoms of lactose intolerance. In such cases, the intake of probiotics orally and reducing the intake of foods containing lactose can be helpful. If the baby is fed with formula or breast milk, taking lactase orally or switching to lactose-free formula milk for feeding can be considered. If the child has already started on solid foods, halt the intake of dairy products and simply continue feeding with solid foods, such as porridge, noodles, or rice flour. If a baby shows signs of lactose intolerance, it is crucial to monitor for symptoms of dehydration. If there are signs like poor skin turgor, low energy, or reduced urine output, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly from a specialist to manage and prevent the aggravation of dehydration symptoms.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu

Gastroenterology

45sec

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What should I do if I vomit due to lactose intolerance?

Lactose intolerance can lead to vomiting, which can be managed based on the condition by symptomatic treatment. For example, Metoclopramide can be used orally or through muscle injection to alleviate vomiting. If necessary, chlorpromazine injections can also be used for treatment. The choice of specific medications and their administration must adhere to medical advice. In addition to addressing the symptoms, it is essential to treat the primary disease causing lactose intolerance. For instance, if it is caused by ulcerative colitis, then treatment should focus on this condition. In the case of primary lactose intolerance, a lifelong avoidance of lactose-containing foods is necessary. (Medication use should be under the guidance of a physician.)