Bloating, crying: Symptoms your child may be lactose intolerant

Lactose is broken down by an enzyme called lactase, which is found in the lining of a person’s small intestine.

Dr Prathiba Venkatachalapathy, Specialist Pediatrician at Aster clinic, explains the different types of lactose intolerance.

Lactose intolerance is actually not very common in infants and typically only starts showing up after age three in children who were born full-term. All babies are born with lactase in their intestines. As they grow older, the lactase enzyme decreases. Pre-term babies are more likely to have a type of lactose intolerance called developmental lactase deficiency. This condition usually lasts only for a short time after birth. However, the majority of premature infants will be able to consume lactose-containing formula and breast millk, explains American Academy of Pediatrics. In very rare cases, people are born with an inability to make any lactase at all, adds US-based Hopkins Medicine.

While lactose intolerance can cause a great deal of discomfort, it will not produce a life-threatening reaction such as anaphylaxis, explains American Academy of Pediatrics

Dr Venkatachalapathy explains the symptoms.

Symptoms of Lactose intolerance

Symptoms of Lactose intolerance

How is lactose intolerance diagnosed?

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics.

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics.

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics.

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics.

Dr Venkatachalapathy explains the next steps.

Managing lactose intolerance