Title: Lactose Intolerance: Types, Causes, and Treatment
Headings: Everything You Need to Know About Lactose Intolerance
Everything You Need to Know About Lactose Intolerance
Overview
Types of lactose intolerance
Primary lactose intolerance (normal result of aging)
Secondary lactose intolerance (due to illness or injury)
Congenital or developmental lactose intolerance (being born with the condition)
Developmental lactose intolerance
What to look for
How is lactose intolerance diagnosed?
Lactose intolerance test
Hydrogen breath test
Stool acidity test
How is lactose intolerance treated?
Adjusting to a lactose-free diet and lifestyle

Content: Lactose is commonly found in dairy products, such as milk and yogurt. You become lactose intolerant when your small intestine stops making enough of the enzyme lactase to digest and break down the lactose. When this happens, the undigested lactose moves into the large intestine. The bacteria that are normally present in your large intestine interact with the undigested lactose and cause symptoms such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea. The condition may also be called lactase deficiency. Lactose intolerance is very common in adults, particularly those with Asian, African, and Hispanic ancestry. According to the Cleveland Clinic, more than 30 million American people are lactose intolerant. The condition isn’t serious but may be unpleasant. Lactose intolerance usually causes gastrointestinal symptoms, such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea, about 30 minutes to two hours after ingesting milk or other dairy products containing lactose. People who are lactose intolerant may need to avoid eating these products or take medications containing the lactase enzyme before doing so.