Lactose intolerance (milk sugar intolerance) is a common food sensitivity type characterized by the inability to break down lactose which is a sugar found in milk and dairy products. It is not a dangerous health problem, however, it may lead to some digestive symptoms including stomach cramps, diarrhea and/or gastrointestinal gas. This condition usually can be managed by avoiding milk or other dairy products or taking some medicines. The main cause of the disease is the deficiency of lactase enzyme which is crucial for lactose digestion. You can more detailed information about its causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment methods in the rest of the article.

What is Lactose Intolerance?

Human body needs sugar for making energy. Sugar is categorized into two groups as monosaccharides (single sugar units) and disaccharides (pairs of linked monosaccharides). These sugars combine in various pairs to create the three primary disaccharides found in the human diet. Each of these disaccharides contains glucose. For example, while sucrose is a combination of glucose and fructose, maltose consists of two linked glucose units, and lactose, also called milk sugar, is composed of glucose and galactose. People who experience milk sugar intolerance are unable to lactose into simple sugar.

The breakdown of lactose requires the presence of the enzyme lactase in the small intestines. Lactase enzyme plays an important role during the absorption of milk sugar, because of this, if there is a problem during this enzymatic process, lactose intolerance will emerge. According to some studies, it is a common digestive problem with the incidence of about 65% of the world’s population.

What are the Types of Lactose Intolerance?

Lactose intolerance may manifest due to various reasons, and based on the underlying mechanisms, it is classified into three distinct groups. The types of it can be listed as following:

• Primary lactose intolerance: Typically, newborns have enough lactase enzyme in their digestive system to easily digest breast milk. However, with increasing age, people may experience a gradual decrease in lactase enzyme, which can make it difficult to digest milk and dairy products. This type, called primary lactose intolerance, is the most common form of it and is caused by lactase deficiency.
• Secondary lactase deficiency: It can also be caused by secondary factors that affect the small intestine, such as infection and injury. Some gastrointestinal diseases including celiac disease, gastroenteritis, Crohn's disease, colitis, etc. may lead to milk sugar intolerance.
• Congenital lactase deficiency: In some cases, lactose intolerance can be inherited, although this is very rare.
• Developmental lactase deficiency: Premature babies may experience lactose intolerance at birth due to incomplete intestinal development. However, as the baby grows and their intestines are properly developed, they may be able to digest lactose more easily.

What are the Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance?

• Nausea and/or vomiting,
• Diarrhea,
• Abdominal pain and cramps,
• Bloating,
• Intestinal gas.

In addition to the listed symptoms above, in some cases, it induces weight loss, dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. The severity of symptoms depends on the amount of lactose consumed and the individual's level of lactase deficiency in Türkiye.

How is Lactose Intolerance Diagnosed?

During the diagnostic process of lactose intolerance in Türkiye, doctors begin examination by taking the patient's medical history by asking some questions like symptoms, diet and family history of lactose intolerance. After obtaining the patient's medical history, diagnostic tests such as the lactose intolerance test may be used to confirm the diagnosis. The main tests for lactose intolerance include:

• Lactose intolerance test: During the diagnosis process of lactose intolerance in İstanbul, doctors usually use lactose intolerance test for measuring the amount of lactose in the blood by using the blood sample, after consuming a high lactose-containing drink.
• Hydrogen breath test: The hydrogen breath test, like the lactose intolerance test, can aid in diagnosing milk sugar intolerance. When lactose cannot be broken down by the body, bacteria in the intestines ferment it, releasing hydrogen which is then absorbed and exhaled. Specialists in lactose intolerance in İstanbul use this test to detect high levels of hydrogen in the breath.
• Stool acidity test: The stool acidity test is used for measuring the acidity level of patients' stool. If the stool test shows a low pH, it may represent high acidity due to carbohydrate malabsorption, rather than an accurate result for milk sugar intolerance. However, in some cases, specialized doctors in lactose intolerance in Türkiye may use this test to measure lactic acid levels in infants and children.

In addition, individuals experiencing the same signs and symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramps after consuming milk and dairy products can recognise it for their own, however, it is important to consult a clinic for a definite diagnosis.

How is Lactose Intolerance Treated?

There is no specific treatment method for lactose intolerance in İstanbul or anywhere else. Because of this, the main management method of the condition is to avoid consumption of milk and other dairy products. People who experience milk sugar intolerance usually can tolerate small amounts of milk, about 1/2 cup of milk, without any problem. In addition to these, lactose-free products are available for many people. In some cases, doctors also may advise to take some lactase supplements to help the body break down lactose.

What Happens If You Ignore Lactose Intolerance?

Although milk sugar intolerance is often confused with milk allergy, it is important to note that they are two distinct health problems. If people with milk allergy continue to consume milk, it can lead to serious complications, whereas ignoring lactose intolerance and continuing to consume lactose-containing foods usually doesn't lead to long-term health problems.

Milk sugar intolerance is a prevalent digestive problem, however, its symptoms can be managed by avoiding milk/milk products or taking some supplements.

If you want to know more about the symptoms, causes, and management of lactose intolerance, it is advisable to make an appointment with a specialist doctor.