Lactose intolerance is a condition that occurs when the body does not produce enough lactase enzyme to digest lactose. What is lactose? Lactose is a sugar found in milk and dairy products produced by most mammals. Often, this condition is only discovered when someone reaches adolescence or even adulthood. Let's learn more about it!
1. Stomach Pain and Bloating
Stomach pain and bloating are two common symptoms of lactose intolerance, both in children and adults. Normally, lactose is digested by the lactase enzyme, but due to insufficient amounts, it passes through the intestines into the large intestine. This lactose can only be fermented by natural bacteria living in the large intestine but cannot be absorbed.
As we know, the fermentation process produces fatty acids and gas. When their levels increase, stomach pain or cramps and bloating occur. The pain is usually located around the navel area and the lower abdomen. Some describe it as feeling like bubbles in the stomach, while others say they feel gas moving through their intestines.
Stomach pain and bloating are the most common symptoms that occur.
2. Nausea
In addition to stomach pain, increased gas, and bloating, lactose fermented in the large intestine can also cause nausea. In some people, including children, vomiting can also occur. Usually, these symptoms tend to develop within 30 minutes to 2 hours after consuming milk or dairy products.
3. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is defined as passing loose stools at least 3 times in 24 hours. In the previous explanation, lactose fermentation by bacteria produces fatty acids and short-chain gases. Most of the acids can be reabsorbed in the large intestine, but some cannot. The remaining acids increase the volume and fluid content of the stool, leading to diarrhea.
4. Flatulence (Gas Discharge)
The gases produced when lactose is fermented in the large intestine are hydrogen gas, methane, and carbon dioxide. In people with lactose intolerance, intestinal flora love to ferment lactose. As a result of the increasing amount of gas, bloating in the stomach becomes more pronounced. Interestingly, the gas produced from lactose fermentation does not smell.
Lactose intolerance also causes an increase in gas in the stomach.
5. Other Symptoms
There are several other symptoms that may be experienced by someone with lactose intolerance, although scientific evidence is still insufficient. For example, constipation, headaches, fatigue, lack of concentration, muscle or joint pain, canker sores, urinary problems, and eczema. However, these symptoms do not necessarily confirm lactose intolerance; it could be a milk allergy.
When experiencing lactose intolerance, it does not mean that a person has to completely avoid milk and dairy products. What needs to be done is simply to limit or reduce their consumption, such as milk, cheese, or ice cream. Through this approach, the symptoms can be minimized effectively without eliminating the diversity of foods we consume.
Some symptoms of lactose intolerance include stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, and vomiting. However, remember that experiencing these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have lactose intolerance. This is because there are many other causes that can produce similar symptoms. Therefore, try to consult a doctor to check the condition.
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