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Lactose Intolerance, Pediatric

Elizabeth J. Hait, MD, MPH Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Lactose intolerance is defined as the inability to digest the ingested disaccharide lactose, secondary to a deficiency of the intrinsic enzyme lactase, resulting in clinical symptoms...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Classic symptoms include bloating, gaseousness, colicky abdominal pain, and diarrhea after digestion of lactose-containing meal.

  • Dietary intake history provides important information.

  • A...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Removal of lactose from the diet is effective in eliminating symptoms.

  • However, it is important to recognize that a milk-free diet is associated with calcium deficiency.

  • Predig...

ONGOING CARE

DIET

  • Lactose-free formula, lactase-containing milk

  • Cow milk substitutes (e.g., rice or soy milk)

  • Yogurt and aged cheeses, which generally have smaller content of lactose

PROGNOSIS

  • Prognosis of...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Heyman MB; for Committee on Nutrition. Lactose intolerance in infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatrics.  2006;118(3):1279–1286. [View Abstract on OvidInsights]

  • Levitt M, W...

CODES

ICD9

271.3 Intestinal disaccharidase deficiencies and disaccharide malabsorption 

ICD10

  • E73.9 Lactose intolerance, unspecified

  • E73.0 Congenital lactase deficiency

  • E73.8 Other lactose intolerance

  • E73.1...

FAQ

  • Q: When is the usual time for presentation of lactose intolerance?

  • A: In Caucasians, the age of presentation is after 5 years of age. In African Americans, 2- to 3-year-old children may present wit...

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