A Guide To Lactose Intolerance in Infants and Children

 Lactose intolerance is a digestive problem. It occurs when the body is not able to digest the lactose, a sugar present in milk and dairy products, completely. This condition is due to the insufficient production of lactase, the enzyme that helps to break down lactose into simpler sugars like glucose and galactose. Lactose remains in the digestive system due to the absence of insufficient lactase, leading to stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea, gas, nausea after consuming dairy products and milk. As per, General pediatric doctor in Delhi, Dr. Promilla Butani, ‘The severity of lactose intolerance may vary. Some individuals experience mild discomfort, whereas others may have more pronounced reactions’. It can be managed by dietary adjustments that refer to avoiding dairy products, by taking a lactase enzyme supplement. It is necessary to take calcium and vitamin D from different sources to maintain bone health. It is more commonly associated with adults. It occurs in infants and children. 

Types and Causes of Lactose Intolerance in Infants and Children

Lactose intolerance can be considered as congenital or acquired. In infants, congenital lactose intolerance is a rare genetic disorder in which infants are born with the absence of insufficient lactase enzymes. Acquired lactose intolerance can develop later in infancy and childhood. It happens due to infection or injury, leading to less lactase production. 

Pediatrician Specialist in Delhi, shares how lactose intolerance in infants and children occurs due to various factors:

a. Primary Lactose Intolerance: It is also known as adult type hypolactasia. Genetics is the primary cause of lactose intolerance. It is a common type and occurs in late childhood or adolescence instead of infancy. Lactase production gradually decreases as children become older, leading to symptoms of lactose intolerance when consuming dairy products.

b. Secondary Lactose Intolerance: It occurs due to infections, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease. Infection in the gastrointestinal like gastroenteritis damages the inner lining of the intestine, reduces the lactase production gradually whereas celiac disease is the autoimmune disease that is triggered by the ingestion of gluten causing the small intestine lining damage. Inflammation of the digestive tract impairs lactase production. 

c. Congenital Lactase Deficiency: It is a rare genetic disorder. Infants are born with little or no lactase activity. It affects infants because they cannot digest the lactose in breast milk or standard infant formulas. It requires immediate medical treatment. 

d. Developmental Lactase Deficiency: Premature babies have underdeveloped intestines, causing insufficient lactase production. This condition is temporary and improves when the digestive system of infants mature.

Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance in Infants and Children 

Understanding the symptoms of lactose intolerance in infants and children is important for early detection and effective treatment. It includes: 

a. Abdominal Pain and Cramping: Pain in the abdomen and cramping are the common symptoms of lactose intolerance in children. It begins within 30 minutes to two hours after consuming lactose-containing food. The discomfort varies from mild to severe.

b. Bloating: It is a frequent symptom of lactose intolerance. It occurs when lactose is not properly digested and remains in the intestine, leading to the fermentation by bacteria that produces gas. This condition causes the abdomen to feel full and swollen. Children may suffer from a tightened stomach. 

c. Diarrhea: It is more often in infants and children having symptoms of lactose intolerance. Undigested lactose causes loose and watery stools. It results in dehydration, mainly in young children.

d. Nausea and Vomiting: Some children with lactose intolerance experience nausea and, in severe cases, vomiting. It can be seen when lactose is consumed in large amounts. 

Diagnosis of Lactose Intolerance

Lactose Intolerance in infants and children is diagnosed by various approaches, like symptoms' observation, where parents and doctors monitor the digestion pattern related to dairy consumption. Hydrogen breath test is one of the methods that helps in diagnosing lactose intolerance, where the amount of hydrogen is measured while a child's breathing after taking lactose breathing foods. If the hydrogen level is increased, it shows poor lactose digestion. Stool Acidity Test is another method for analyzing a child's stool acidity. 

Treatment for Lactose Intolerance in Kids

Lactose Intolerance in Infants and children can be managed by dietary adjustments, lactase supplements, and lactose free alternatives. 

a. Dietary adjustments: It is necessary to avoid or limit lactose-containing foods. These include milk, cheese, ice cream, and certain processed foods containing lactose. 

b. Lactase Supplements: Sometimes, lactase enzyme drops or tablets are used with dairy products. This helps in digestion in infants and children.

c. Lactose alternative: It includes lactose free milk, yogurt and cheese. These products are treated with lactase to break down into lactose. It makes it easier for infants and children to digest.

For more details get in touch with the General Pediatrician Doctor in Delhi, Dr. Promilla Butani.

Role of Parents in Managing Lactose  Intolerance

Parents must monitor their children and recognize symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea after intake of dairy products. When it is clear that a child has lactose intolerance, parents should immediately consult with the General pediatric doctor in Delhi, Dr. Promilla Butani for an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan. Parents and doctors can change their dietary plan by avoiding high lactose foods and opting for lactose-free products. this also ensure child receives adequate calcium and vitamin D from non-dairy sources such as plant-based milk, green vegetables and supplies.