Lactose intolerance is a big issue for many people across the world. This common stomach problem causes lots of pain. People often ask one thing: Is lactose intolerance treatment possible? They want to know if there’s a real and lasting cure
Lactose intolerance is not an allergy at all. It means your body struggles with lactose digestion. Lactose is a sugar found in milk and many dairy items. The trouble begins when you do not make enough lactase. Undigested lactose then passes into your large intestine. Bacteria in there start to eat it. This action makes gas and certain acids. That is what causes the very uncomfortable lactose intolerance symptoms you feel. Understanding this process is essential to manage this condition well
Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance
The most common signs of lactose intolerance symptoms are:
- Pain and cramps in the belly
- Bloating, making you feel full fast
- Too much gas or flatulence
- Loose stools or diarrhea
- Feeling sick and sometimes throwing up
How Many Kinds of Lactase Shortage Are There?
Lactase problems come in several types. The chance of a successful lactose intolerance treatment depends on the type.
Primary Lactose Intolerance: The Adult Form
This is the most widespread kind globally. Your lactase production slowly decreases over time. This naturally begins after you stop being a small child. It is a normal genetic thing for most adult populations. People of African, Asian, and Hispanic descent see this often. With this kind, your body will never produce more lactase. Because of this, a real cure is not currently possible. Controlling the symptoms becomes the entire focus.
Secondary Lactose Intolerance: The Curable Type
This problem occurs because your small intestine is hurt. This injury can come from sickness or surgery. Diseases like Celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or even a bad infection can be the cause. The original problem hurts the gut lining. This temporary damage lowers lactase production greatly. We must treat that underlying illness first. Once the small intestine heals, lactase levels often bounce back. This kind of lactose intolerance treatment is possible! There is a good chance for full recovery here.
Rare Cases: Born with Lactose Issues
Congenital lactose intolerance is exceedingly rare. A baby is born making zero lactase. This genetic issue means a total lactose-free diet for life. Developmental lactose intolerance affects preemie babies. Their tiny intestines have not fully developed their lactase-making cells. This specific lactose intolerance infant problem usually fixes itself as the baby grows older. No special treatment is generally needed.
Getting a Good Lactose Intolerance Check
Getting a diagnosis is actually quite simple. A Gastroenterologist in Delhi or elsewhere can do easy tests. First, they will ask about your full health history. A physical examination also takes place.
The main ways for a proper lactose intolerance check are:
- Hydrogen Breath Test: You drink a special sugary liquid. We measure the hydrogen in your breath next. Lots of hydrogen means that lactose is fermenting inside you. This is the most common and simple test doctors use.
- Lactose Tolerance Blood Test: They check your blood sugar levels multiple times. If sugar levels do not increase, your body failed to digest the lactose.
- Stool Acidity Test: This one is mostly for small children. If a child is not digesting lactose, their stool will be acidic.
Treatment Versus Management: What You Can Do
A cure for the common type is missing, yes. But we have fantastic management tools. Managing your symptoms is key to a comfortable life. You can live well with careful planning.
1. Changing What You Eat
Reducing lactose is the top action you can take. You might not need to avoid everything forever. Most people can handle a small amount. You must find your own tolerance level. That is the secret.
- Dairy with Less Lactose: You can usually eat hard cheeses, such as Parmesan. Yogurts with “live and active cultures” are also often fine. The bacteria in them do some of the work for you.
- Lactose-Free Foods: Grocery stores sell lactose-free milk now. They add the lactase enzyme during production. These products give you needed calcium without the problems.
- Checking Labels: You need to be a label detective. Lactose intolerance food hidden ingredients are everywhere. Look for ‘milk solids’ or ‘whey’ on the ingredient list.
2. Taking Enzyme Pills
You can buy lactase enzyme supplements easily in Delhi. They come in tablet or drop form for convenience. You take a pill just before you eat dairy. The added enzyme helps your gut break down the lactose. This prevents the bloating and gas. They give you a lot of freedom
3. Getting Other Nutrients
Cutting dairy means you need new sources for calcium and Vitamin D. These are vital for bones. Not getting enough can be a problem.
- Calcium Help: Look for plant milks fortified with calcium. Eat green veggies like spinach. Tinned fish, bones and all, also works great.
- Vitamin D Boost: Get sun exposure when you can. A vitamin supplement may be necessary.
Handling lactose intolerance is fully possible. It needs good choices and real commitment. For the common, primary type, we currently have no cure. However, the available treatments are very effective for management. For the secondary type, healing your gut offers a way out.
You should always seek medical advice from a specialist. A top Gastroenterology hospital in Delhi such as Primus Hospitals provides exceptional care. Our expert doctors offer a solid, correct diagnosis. Our focused team understands the exam needed to truly understand your condition. Choosing experts is always the best decision for relief.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Lactose Issues
Yes it can frequently. The small intestine must completely recover from the damage. The healing process can take quite some time though
The primary type often shows up in adulthood. Your natural lactase levels tend to decline further over the years. So, your tolerance may indeed get lower.
No it is generally not life-threatening at all. It is definitely uncomfortable. If you have very bad symptoms see your doctor immediately
Absolutely. Your intolerance level does not affect your milk. Breast milk has lactose naturally. Only a baby with the rare congenital type needs special formula milk.
Many yogurts are safer options. Look for the phrase “live and active cultures.” These bacteria help pre-digest the lactose sugar. Always read the whole ingredients list.
