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Lactose Intolerance Overview

Lactose intolerance is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the milk sugar lactose. This prevents the digestion and absorption of lactose in the small intestine. Undigested lactose draws fluid into the intestines and passes into the colon where it is fermented by bacteria, causing symptoms like gas, bloating, cramps and diarrhea. Symptoms vary but commonly include abdominal pain, cramps, bloating and diarrhea after consuming dairy products. Lactose intolerance is very common and affects many people of Asian, African, and South American descent.

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94 views3 pages

Lactose Intolerance Overview

Lactose intolerance is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the milk sugar lactose. This prevents the digestion and absorption of lactose in the small intestine. Undigested lactose draws fluid into the intestines and passes into the colon where it is fermented by bacteria, causing symptoms like gas, bloating, cramps and diarrhea. Symptoms vary but commonly include abdominal pain, cramps, bloating and diarrhea after consuming dairy products. Lactose intolerance is very common and affects many people of Asian, African, and South American descent.

Uploaded by

KM Topacio
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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~o0 Lactose Intolerance 0o~

Definition:
also called lactase deficiency, means you aren't able to fully digest the milk sugar (lactose) in dairy products. It's usually not dangerous, but symptoms of lactose intolerance can be uncomfortable. A deficiency of lactase an enzyme produced by the lining of your small intestine is usually responsible for lactose intolerance. Many people have low levels of lactase, but only those who also have associated signs and symptoms have, by definition, lactose intolerance. (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/lactose-intolerance/DS00530) Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest and absorb lactose (the sugar in milk) that results in gastrointestinal symptoms when milk or food products containing milk are consumed. (http://www.medicinenet.com/lactose_intolerance/article.htm#tocc) Lactose intolerance is a common disorder and is due to the inability to digest lactose into its constituents, glucose and galactose, secondary to low levels of lactase enzyme in the brush border of the duodenum. Some populations of the human species, including those of Asian, South American, and African descent, have a propensity for developing lactase deficiency Pathophysiology: Lactose, a disaccharide, is present in milk and processed foods. 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. The osmotic load of the unabsorbed lactose causes secretion of fluid and electrolytes until osmotic equilibrium is reached. Dilation of the intestine caused by the osmosis induces an acceleration of small intestinal transit, which increases the degree of maldigestion. Within the large intestine, free lactose is fermented by colonic bacteria to yield shortchain fatty acids and hydrogen gas. The combined increase in fecal water, intestinal transit, and generated hydrogen gas accounts for the wide range of gastrointestinal symptoms. (http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/187249-overview#a0101)

Pathophysiology:

Signs & Symptoms/Clinical Manifestations


nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, cramps, flatulence, diarrhea and abdominal pain (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19388523) loose stools, abdominal bloating and pain, flatulence, nausea, and borborygm
(http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/187249-overview#a0101)

Abdominal bloating Abdominal cramps Diarrhea Gas (flatulence) Nausea Infants or children may have slow growth or weight loss. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001321/)

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