Understanding Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is a common issue that affects many people, including kids. It means that your body has trouble digesting lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. If you or someone you know feels sick after drinking milk or eating cheese, you might be dealing with lactose intolerance. Dr. Yugesh Agrawal, the best pediatrician in Raipur, is here to help explain what lactose intolerance is and how to manage it.
What is Lactose Intolerance?
Lactose intolerance happens when your body doesn’t produce enough of an enzyme called lactase. This enzyme helps break down lactose in your stomach. Without enough lactase, lactose can’t be properly digested and causes uncomfortable symptoms.
Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance
If someone is lactose intolerant, they might experience symptoms after consuming dairy products. Common symptoms include:
- Stomach Pain: This can feel like cramping or a dull ache.
- Bloating: Your stomach might feel swollen and full of gas.
- Gas: You might notice more gas or burping than usual.
- Diarrhea: This is when your stool is loose and watery.
- Nausea: Sometimes, lactose intolerance can make you feel sick to your stomach.
Dr. Yugesh Agrawal, the best pediatrician in Raipur, can help identify if lactose intolerance is causing these symptoms and provide advice on managing it.
How is Lactose Intolerance Diagnosed?
To find out if you have lactose intolerance, Dr. Agrawal might suggest a few tests, including:
- Lactose Tolerance Test: You drink a liquid that contains a lot of lactose, and then your blood is tested to see how your body reacts.
- Hydrogen Breath Test: You breathe into a machine after drinking a lactose solution, and the machine measures the amount of hydrogen in your breath. High levels can indicate lactose intolerance.
- Stool Acidity Test: This test is used mostly for infants and measures the amount of acid in the stool, which can be a sign of lactose intolerance.
Managing Lactose Intolerance
While there is no cure for lactose intolerance, there are ways to manage it and feel better. Dr. Yugesh Agrawal, the best pediatrician in Raipur, offers these tips:
- Limit Dairy Products: Try to reduce the amount of milk, cheese, and yogurt you eat. You don’t have to give them up completely, but eating less can help avoid symptoms.
- Choose Lactose-Free Options: Many stores sell lactose-free milk and dairy products that are easier to digest.
- Use Lactase Supplements: These are pills or drops you can take before eating dairy to help your body digest lactose.
- Eat Smaller Portions: Sometimes, eating small amounts of dairy at a time can be easier on your stomach.
- Read Labels: Many foods have lactose, even if they don’t taste like dairy. Check the labels to see if they contain lactose.
When to See a Doctor
If you think you might have lactose intolerance, or if you have symptoms that are hard to manage, it’s a good idea to see a doctor. Dr. Yugesh Agrawal, the best pediatrician in Raipur, can help determine if you have lactose intolerance and provide a plan to manage it effectively.