Lactose Intolerance in Lubbock, TX
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Find a ProviderWhat is lactose intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is very common among patients in the United States. Lactose (milk sugar) is the primary carb in milk and other dairy products. The body can be “intolerant” of lactose because it does not develop a sufficient amount of the enzyme lactase to break down lactose.
Lactase is a digestive enzyme produced in your duodenum (small intestine) that helps process lactose. Lactose intolerance is a mild condition, but it can produce irritating symptoms based on your body’s intolerance levels. Some patients refer to lactose intolerance as a milk allergy.
If you or a family member need assistance with lactose intolerance in Lubbock, TX, our gastrointestinal providers can lend a hand. Request a consultation at a Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates location near you and let our experience and insight guide you in a positive direction toward an improved life.
What is the cause of lactose intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is caused by the body’s inability to generate, or a shortage in the creation of, lactase. Two major reasons why your body is unable to yield enough lactase to assist break down lactose are explained below:
Primary Lactose Intolerance
Primary lactose intolerance is the most common kind of lactose intolerance and is caused by age. The more you age, the less lactase your body produces. This sort of lactose intolerance can partially be passed through genetics and affects certain populations more than others. According to the food intolerance network, lactase deficiency impacts 5 – 17% of Europeans, roughly 44% of Americans, nearly 50% of Hispanic/Latino individuals, and 60 – 80% of Asians and Africans.
Secondary Lactose Intolerance
Secondary lactose intolerance usually occurs when the small intestine is harmed by an illness, trauma, surgery, or more difficult condition like Celiac disease or Crohn’s disease. This occurs because the generation of lactase lessens when the small intestine is enlarged. Treatment for this condition can return the function of the small intestine and bring lactase amounts back to their normal levels.
For additional information about lactose intolerance, contact a Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates location in your area to connect with a gastroenterologist provider who specializes in this condition. Our GI providers will offer professional pointers and information on how to live with lactose intolerance.
What are common symptoms of lactose intolerance?
Symptoms of lactose intolerance may vary from person to person depending on the level of lactase they can produce. Some of the common symptoms of lactose intolerance include:
- Abdominal spasms
- Intermittent constipation
- Bloating or fullness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Gas
Our GI providers in Lubbock, TX often help manage symptoms of lactose intolerance. Partner with us to discover all available options to help manage your condition.
What are the treatment options for lactose intolerance?
In most cases, the best solution to treating your lactose intolerance is to avoid consuming dairy goods entirely. There is currently no possible way to encourage lactase output in the body. Therefore, the objective of treatment is to avoid the uncomfortable symptoms that result from consuming lactose. If you think of lactose intolerance as a dairy allergy, that may help guide you in your dietary decisions.
Other treatments and tips for managing lactose intolerance that our Lubbock, TX gastroenterologist providers recommend include:
- Consume lactose-reduced dairy items
- Include small servings of dairy goods into your meals to establish a tolerance
- Probiotics and prebiotics
- Lactase enzyme supplements
Manage your lactose intolerance symptoms
If your lactose intolerance symptoms become overwhelming, let our professional gastrointestinal providers at your nearest Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates location help treat you. We can put together a treatment strategy that helps you reclaim your well-being so you can get back to doing the things you love. To find care for lactose intolerance in Lubbock, TX, please contact one of our locations today to request a consultation.
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