PP
1
1
Mild severity
· Gastroenterology
Lactose Intolerance
Inability to digest milk sugar
Loss of the lactase enzyme means milk sugar ferments in the gut, causing bloating, gas and diarrhea. Easy to manage with diet or enzyme tablets.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- Up to 60% of South Asian adults
- Typical age
- Adolescence onward
- Outlook
- Easily managed
- System
- Gut
Reviewed by a verified Gastroenterology doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Genetic decline of lactase
- Post-gastroenteritis
- Celiac or Crohn's disease
- Premature birth
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Bloating, gas after dairy
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Worse with large amounts
- Variable individual tolerance
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- Avoid or limit lactose
- Lactase enzyme tablets with dairy
- Lactose-free milk
- Hard cheese & yogurt better tolerated
- Ensure calcium intake (1000 mg/day)
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Test individual tolerance gradually
- Choose calcium-rich alternatives (ragi, leafy greens)
- Treat underlying gut disease
Do’s
- Try yogurt before milk
- Read food labels for hidden lactose
- Take lactase before dairy meal
- Eat calcium-rich vegetables
Don’ts
- Cut all dairy without calcium plan
- Ignore associated celiac symptoms
- Take antibiotic for 'every gas'
- Believe 'lactose-free' means low calorie
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
Top specialists
See all gastroenterology doctors Top 4 doctors for Lactose Intolerance
Ranked by patient rating, years of experience and review volume. All verified by MediConsult’s clinical team.
RA
2
2
RS
3
3
BS
4
4
Related conditions
Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.