What should you know about ano ang lactose intolerance?

Lactase is an enzyme made in the small intestine. When lactose is not fully broken down, it passes into the colon, where bacteria ferment it and draw in water. This can lead to abdominal pain, bloating, gas, or diarrhoea after milk, ice cream, or other dairy foods. The amount that causes symptoms varies, and lactose intolerance is different from a milk allergy, which involves the immune system and can cause swelling, wheezing, or hives.

Symptoms can overlap with other digestive conditions. Keeping a food-and-symptom record can help show whether dairy is a consistent trigger.

Avoiding all dairy is not automatically necessary. Try smaller portions, choose lactose-free products, or have dairy with a meal. Yogurt and hard cheeses may be easier for some people to tolerate. Read labels because lactose can occur in prepared foods and medicines. A clinician or dietitian can help you test a planned reduction and protect calcium and vitamin D intake; food intolerance testing may be considered when the history is unclear.

Arrange medical advice if symptoms are persistent, worsening, waking you at night, or causing weight loss, blood in the stool, fever, repeated vomiting, or dehydration. Seek urgent help for trouble breathing, facial swelling, or widespread hives after dairy, because these symptoms fit an allergic reaction rather than lactose intolerance.

Ask whether your symptoms fit lactose intolerance, whether another digestive problem should be checked, how to trial lactose reduction safely, and whether you need nutrition counselling or testing.