Title: Is Sudden Lactose Intolerance Possible? | Livestrong.com
Headings: Sudden Lactose Intolerance: What You Should Know
Sudden Lactose Intolerance: What You Should Know
Video of the Day
Understanding Lactose Intolerance
Detecting Lactose Intolerance
Is This an Emergency?
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Content: She has written for Prevention, Health and Healthline. View Work
Lactose intolerance can develop at any age. Image Credit: Harbucks/iStock/GettyImages
If you've been experiencing uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms that seem to have just popped up, you might wonder if it's possible to suddenly become lactose intolerant. The answer is yes. You can indeed develop lactose intolerance as you age, and it can be temporary or permanent. Video of the Day
​ Read more: ​ Lactic Acid & Lactose Intolerance
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Understanding Lactose Intolerance
There are four types of lactose intolerance and, according to Mayo Clinic and the National Library of Medicine, here's how these causes of lactase deficiency shake out: ​ Primary ​. This type is inherited and starts young, but some people do not recognize it until they are adults. ​ Congenital ​. Also genetic, this type of  lactose intolerance occurs when both parents have a genetic mutation.