Characterized by diarrhea, flatulence and abdominal pain after eating lactose containing foods, due to selective deficiency of lastase in the intestinal brush border. Often a diagnosis that is missed in cases of chronic diarrhea and flatulence. May occur temporarily after viral or bacterial enteritis and often seen in orientals recently settled in the west. Breath analysis for hydrogen is a useful test, but confirmation is by enzymatic assay of biopsied jejunal mucosa.
Treatment
Avoidance of foods containing lactose, mostly dairy products – milk, yoghurt, cream, processed meates, biscuits, cakes, cookies, and medicines in which lactose is used as a filter. Lactase milk that is kept for 24 hours before use, helps.
