Does lactose intolerance cause mucus in the stool?

Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
Updated on December 31, 2024
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Lactose intolerance is caused by a deficiency of lactase, the enzyme that digests lactose, typically resulting in symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain after consuming dairy products. It is relatively common among Chinese people. Unlike lactose allergy, this condition only requires controlling the intake of lactose, rather than completely avoiding dairy products. This disease generally does not present symptoms like passing mucus. The presence of mucus in stool usually suggests the possibility of chronic colitis. In such cases, it is advised to undergo a colonoscopy to examine the intestinal mucosa for mucus attachment, or signs of hyperemia, erosion, or edema.

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Written by Wu Ben Rong
Pediatrics
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What kind of formula should a baby with lactose intolerance drink?

If a child is lactose intolerant, parents can go to a maternity and baby store to pick a lactose-free infant formula. Lactose intolerance is due to a deficiency or insufficient activity of lactase in the small intestinal mucosa, which results in the inability to completely digest and break down the lactose in breast milk or cow's milk. Common symptoms may include weeks of diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain. Primary lactose intolerance is usually caused by genetic factors, while secondary lactose intolerance is generally caused by gastroenteritis. When a child exhibits the aforementioned symptoms, parents need to improve the child's diet and switch to a lactose-free infant formula, which not only ensures the child's nutritional intake but also alleviates the condition of lactose intolerance. If necessary, they should visit a formal hospital for relevant examinations and treatment.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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Can lactose intolerance still lead to weight gain?

Lactose intolerance refers to a condition where the body lacks lactase enzyme, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloating after consuming dairy products. It does not have a direct correlation with the ability to gain weight, because aside from dairy products, there are many other foods that a person can eat. If someone is lactose intolerant and cannot consume dairy, they can still eat many other things, which can also contribute to weight gain. Therefore, individuals with lactose intolerance can still gain weight, as there is no direct relationship between lactose intolerance and obesity.

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Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
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Can infant lactose intolerance be self-healing?

Whether infant lactose intolerance can self-heal needs to be identified as either congenital or secondary. If it is congenital lactose intolerance, it means that the baby's own intestines cannot produce lactase, and thus the symptoms of lactose intolerance cannot be alleviated. However, secondary lactose intolerance, such as that caused by chronic diarrhea or infection which leads to a reduction in lactase, can be recoverable. The reduction in lactase production caused by chronic diarrhea does not mean that the intestines have lost their normal function to secrete lactase. Therefore, by using lactose-free formula or avoiding foods containing lactose, the normal intestinal flora can be repaired, achieving relief from the symptoms of lactose intolerance. Additionally, if there is a viral infection, particularly rotavirus infection-induced lactose intolerance, it can also be alleviated through dietary adjustments to promote the repair of the intestinal flora. Therefore, the treatment of lactose intolerance should vary from person to person, and it is important to identify early whether it is primary or secondary.

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Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
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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 Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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Symptoms of infant lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance in infants is mostly due to lactose intolerance secondary to post-viral infections, with a small portion being primary lactose intolerance caused by low activity or lack of lactase. This leads to undigested lactose after consuming animal milk, resulting in a series of clinical symptoms. Common symptoms include changes in stool; for lactose-intolerant children, there are relatively more curds in the stool, and the stool is somewhat loose and poorly digested. Additionally, children with lactose intolerance often have poor digestive function, increased gastrointestinal gas, and sometimes experience bloating and abdominal discomfort, which can also affect the baby's sleep.