HEALTH

Lactose intolerance, symptoms of an often unrecognized disorder

Many people around the world suffer from lactose intolerance, a common but often underestimated problem. Many individuals may in fact experience these symptoms without realising their connection to lactose intake.

This disorder affects the body's ability to properly digest lactose, the sugar found in milk and its derivatives.

Today we offer an overview of the symptoms associated with lactose intolerance (source humanitas.co.uk.) We will explore the signs that can indicate the presence of this condition: from diarrhoea to abdominal pain, from meteorism to skin reactions, there are many symptoms with which intolerance can manifest itself.

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Lactose intolerance, symptoms of an often unrecognized disorder
Many people around the world suffer from lactose intolerance, a common but often underestimated problem. Many individuals may in fact experience these symptoms without realising their connection to lactose intake. This disorder affects the body's ability to properly digest lactose, the sugar found in milk and its derivatives. Today we offer an overview of the symptoms associated with lactose intolerance. (source humanitas.co.uk) We will explore the signs that may indicate the presence of this condition: from diarrhoea to abdominal pain, from meteorism to skin reactions, there are many symptoms with which intolerance can manifest itself.
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Diarrhea and bloating
Diarrhoea and bloating are fairly common symptoms of lactose intolerance. When a lactose-intolerant person consumes foods or drinks containing lactose, their body may have difficulty digesting it properly. This can lead to the production of gas and increased water in the faeces, causing diarrhoea.
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Skin reaction
Skin reactions such as red spots, boils and pomphi can be related to lactose intolerance. In some cases, an allergic reaction may be triggered by the intake of lactose by lactose intolerant persons. This reaction may manifest itself on the skin as rashes, itching and swelling.
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Respiratory problems
Some people with lactose intolerance may experience respiratory tract problems. This may include symptoms such as nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing or difficulty breathing. Although the exact connection between lactose intolerance and respiratory problems is not entirely clear, it is believed that inflammation or allergic reactions may be responsible for these symptoms.
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Digestive problems
Digestive problems, such as heartburn, nausea, vomiting and a feeling of heaviness after consuming lactose, are common in lactose intolerance. The bodies of lactose-intolerant people do not produce enough lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose. This can cause a build-up of undigested lactose in the digestive tract, leading to digestive disorders and unpleasant symptoms.
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Urticaria
Urticaria, an itchy rash with red or raised spots, can be a symptom of lactose intolerance. People who are lactose intolerant may develop an allergy or sensitivity to lactose, which can trigger an allergic reaction and cause hives as an immune system response.
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Meteorism
Meteorism, or the excessive production of gas in the gut, is a common symptom of lactose intolerance. When lactose is not properly digested in the digestive tract, bacteria in the gut can ferment it, producing gas. This can lead to a build-up of gas in the abdomen and meteorism.
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