People with lactose intolerance are unable to fully digest the sugar called lactose found in a milk. As a result, they have diarrhea, gas and bloating after eating or drinking dairy products. The condition, which is also called lactose malabsorption, is usually harmless, but its symptoms can be uncomfortable. A deficiency of lactase, an enzyme produced in the small intestine, is usually responsible for lactose intolerance. Many people have low levels of lactase but are able to digest milk products without problems.
This article covers a brief overview of the pathophysiology, presentation, diagnosis and management of lactose intolerance, also termed as hypolactasia. Pathophysiology Dietary lactose must be hydrolyzed to a monosaccharide in order to be absorbed by the small intestinal mucosa. A deficiency of intestinal lactase prevents hydrolysis of ingested lactose. As a result, the…
