Symptoms of baby lactose intolerance

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on September 16, 2024
00:00
00:00

If a child has lactose intolerance, the main symptoms are related to the digestive system, such as frequent bloating. Children may experience bloating and restlessness at night, and even signs of intestinal colic. There are abnormal bowel movement frequencies, such as constipation for several days, as well as diarrhea with a noticeable increase in stool frequency and a looser stool consistency. Sometimes, there may be symptoms of bloody stools, which should alert caregivers to the possibility of lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is divided into primary and secondary forms. Primary lactose intolerance is more common in Chinese due to genetic factors. Secondary lactose intolerance is mainly due to other reasons that lead to a deficiency of intestinal lactase, with infections and acute gastroenteritis being common causes. For children with lactose intolerance, lactase can be added to breast milk or lactose-free formula can be used. It is also advised to regularly recheck urinary lactose levels. If levels return to normal, breastfeeding can continue. If abnormalities persist, gradually introduce solid foods, as a normal diet usually does not significantly affect the child.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
47sec home-news-image

Can massage therapy adjust lactose intolerance?

Lactose intolerance cannot be managed through massage, and patients with lactose intolerance still need to take appropriate treatment measures to eliminate symptoms and avoid nutritional deficiencies. For primary lactase deficiency, it is advocated to reduce lactose intake, and for congenital lactase deficiency, lifelong lactose abstention is necessary. However, for patients with secondary lactose intolerance, treatment should be based on the underlying disease. For example, if Crohn's disease has caused secondary lactose intolerance, treatment with medications like mesalamine or sulfasalazine salicylate is necessary. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
41sec home-news-image

Symptoms of infant milk powder lactose intolerance

The symptoms of infant milk formula lactose intolerance typically manifest in the following areas: Firstly, the most direct symptom is abnormal stool in infants, which looks poorly digested with more milk curds, and this is the most common direct symptom. Secondly, the baby may experience increased gastrointestinal gas, bloating, abdominal pain, leading to restless sleep and irritability. Furthermore, the baby may exhibit a decreased appetite and varying degrees of vomiting. Of course, most cases of infant lactose intolerance occur after an intestinal viral infection, so there may also be symptoms related to viral intestinal infections.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Quan Xiang Mei
Pediatrics
1min 12sec home-news-image

Can infant lactose intolerance cause bloody stools?

When infants experience lactose intolerance, there is a possibility of bloody stools. With lactose intolerance, infants will exhibit symptoms such as an increased frequency of bowel movements, diarrhea, and bloating. If the frequency of bowel movements is particularly high, for instance more than ten times, or even more, especially over a prolonged period, the gastrointestinal function of the infant is not very perfect. An increase in bowel movements can exacerbate damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa, potentially leading to bloody stools. Additionally, when the frequency of bowel movements is very high, it could lead to damage to the perianal skin, which might also result in bloody stools. Or, when an infant has lactose intolerance, if they are also suffering from other viral or bacterial infections in the gastrointestinal tract, the likelihood of bloody stools may increase. Therefore, if we consider that an infant has lactose intolerance, it is crucial to promptly add lactase for treatment and to switch to a different formula for oral administration.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
1min 26sec home-news-image

Symptoms of baby lactose intolerance

If a child has lactose intolerance, the main symptoms are related to the digestive system, such as frequent bloating. Children may experience bloating and restlessness at night, and even signs of intestinal colic. There are abnormal bowel movement frequencies, such as constipation for several days, as well as diarrhea with a noticeable increase in stool frequency and a looser stool consistency. Sometimes, there may be symptoms of bloody stools, which should alert caregivers to the possibility of lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is divided into primary and secondary forms. Primary lactose intolerance is more common in Chinese due to genetic factors. Secondary lactose intolerance is mainly due to other reasons that lead to a deficiency of intestinal lactase, with infections and acute gastroenteritis being common causes. For children with lactose intolerance, lactase can be added to breast milk or lactose-free formula can be used. It is also advised to regularly recheck urinary lactose levels. If levels return to normal, breastfeeding can continue. If abnormalities persist, gradually introduce solid foods, as a normal diet usually does not significantly affect the child.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
1min 11sec home-news-image

Can infant lactose intolerance be self-healing?

Whether infant lactose intolerance can self-heal needs to be identified as either congenital or secondary. If it is congenital lactose intolerance, it means that the baby's own intestines cannot produce lactase, and thus the symptoms of lactose intolerance cannot be alleviated. However, secondary lactose intolerance, such as that caused by chronic diarrhea or infection which leads to a reduction in lactase, can be recoverable. The reduction in lactase production caused by chronic diarrhea does not mean that the intestines have lost their normal function to secrete lactase. Therefore, by using lactose-free formula or avoiding foods containing lactose, the normal intestinal flora can be repaired, achieving relief from the symptoms of lactose intolerance. Additionally, if there is a viral infection, particularly rotavirus infection-induced lactose intolerance, it can also be alleviated through dietary adjustments to promote the repair of the intestinal flora. Therefore, the treatment of lactose intolerance should vary from person to person, and it is important to identify early whether it is primary or secondary.