Lactose intolerance is one of the most common kinds of allergies. It is a condition in which the body rejects any forms of lactose. Since the symptoms for lactose intolerance can range in severity and type, it can be challenging to determine if you are lactose intolerant yourself.
Whether you grew up aware of your intolerance or are only now discovering your symptoms as an adult, it’s essential to notice the warning signs of being lactose intolerant so that you can treat it right away.
At the office of Dr. Siamak Tabib, we find it important to recognize some of the warning signs of lactose intolerance as early as possible. Doing so can drastically change your life for the better. Here are some steps you can take to recognizing your symptoms.
When the Signs Appear
If you do happen to be lactose intolerant, you may start seeing the signs and symptoms within 2 hours of drinking a milk-based product. However, the symptoms can start showing as early as 30 minutes after drinking milk.
Most Common Symptoms
The most common symptoms of lactose intolerance include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bloating, cramps, and pain in the abdomen
- Diarrhea
- Flatulence
- Rumbling in the stomach
Everyday Health warns against mistaking certain symptoms for the usual milk-related ones. Additional symptoms such as hives, itching, and wheezing may indicate a more serious allergic reaction. If you experience any of these, the best option is scheduling an appointment with your physician.
Lactose Intolerance Vs. Milk Allergy
Symptoms of an allergic reaction can sometimes indicate that you are allergic to milk, rather than being lactose intolerant. The main difference concerns the enzyme lactase.
If you are lactose intolerant, you lack enough of the enzyme. Without this, you will have a hard time breaking down lactose in your body, making you feel sick. But, if you are allergic to the proteins in milk, you have a milk allergy. This may present more severe issues than lactose intolerance.
Diagnosing Your Problems with the Digestive System
Lactose intolerance is best diagnosed by a gastrointestinal professional, like Dr. Tabib. An expert can check to find what exactly lactose is doing to your digestive system. There are several different tests that we can perform to see whether you are lactose intolerant or dealing with a milk allergy.
Some of the tests may include:
- Stool Acidity Test
- Hydrogen Breath Test
- Bloodwork
- Lactose Intolerance Test
Physicians can look at the way the enzyme interacts with lactose in your body and what the lactose breaks down into. Either can be great indicators to Dr. Tabib if you are dealing with an allergy or intolerance.
Genetic Tests
Some cases of lactose intolerance are genetic. Many of the tests that we perform can indicate if your lactose intolerance is a product of genetic makeup or is due to other factors. Regardless, we can offer treatments and preventative measures to help relieve you from the symptoms of lactose intolerance.
Schedule Your Consultation ASAP
There are a lot of symptoms that can contribute to an unhealthy digestive system. If milk or other dairy products don’t sit well with you, there are tests you can take to make sure you get on track with a treatment plan that works for you.
At the office of Dr. Siamak Tabib, we offer advanced treatment techniques and professional testing to help you feel healthier in no time. Get a consultation today or contact our experts for more information regarding your gastrointestinal care. You can find us online or give us a call at (310) 683-4911 to speak with one of our friendly representatives.
