Symptoms of infant milk powder lactose intolerance

Written by Zhang Xian Hua

Pediatrics

Updated on September 08, 2024

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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.

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Written by Tong Peng

Pediatrics

49sec

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Do infants with lactose intolerance need to switch to a different formula?

Whether to switch formula for infants with lactose intolerance should be assessed based on the specific condition of the baby. If the baby's symptoms of lactose intolerance are mild, they can be managed by adding lactase and probiotics. However, if the baby has had diarrhea for a long time, frequent bowel movements, and also shows signs of reduced urine output, decreased skin turgor, and lethargy, it indicates a more severe dysfunction in the digestive system. In this case, it is necessary to switch to lactose-free formula to prevent exacerbation of gastrointestinal dysfunction. It is also important to pay attention to the baby's food hygiene and hand hygiene in daily life, especially during the peak season of diarrhea in autumn. It is advisable to get vaccinated in advance to prevent the transmission of other digestive system diseases.

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Written by Tong Peng

Pediatrics

58sec

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How to regulate diarrhea caused by infant lactose intolerance

Children with lactose intolerance exhibit symptoms of diarrhea and must be treated through diet and medication. Lactose intolerance indicates an insufficient secretion of lactase by the child's digestive system. Therefore, the diet should consist of light, liquid, and easily digestible foods, avoiding hard-to-digest and lactose-containing foods. Additionally, dietary adjustments are necessary. If the child is breastfed or formula-fed, it is advisable to temporarily switch to lactose-free formula until symptoms subside and then gradually return to a normal diet. It is also important to use probiotics and related supportive medications. Attention should be paid to the child's stool, skin turgor, and urine output, as prolonged diarrhea can lead to malnutrition and electrolyte imbalances, with severe cases possibly resulting in dehydration. Hence, ongoing monitoring is essential.

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Written by Tong Peng

Pediatrics

1min 11sec

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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.

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Written by Huang Gang

Gastroenterology

29sec

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Is weakly positive lactose intolerance serious?

Lactose intolerance is weakly positive, not particularly severe, and can be improved by taking oral lactase. For mild cases of lactose intolerance, symptoms can be alleviated after taking lactase. However, it is important to monitor the condition when consuming milk powder or milk. If symptoms persistently recur, it may be prudent to switch to extensively hydrolyzed milk powder or other lactose-free milk powder.

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Written by Si Li Li

Gastroenterology

50sec

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Does lactose intolerance cause mucus in the stool?

Lactose intolerance is caused by a deficiency of lactase, the enzyme that digests lactose, typically resulting in symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain after consuming dairy products. It is relatively common among Chinese people. Unlike lactose allergy, this condition only requires controlling the intake of lactose, rather than completely avoiding dairy products. This disease generally does not present symptoms like passing mucus. The presence of mucus in stool usually suggests the possibility of chronic colitis. In such cases, it is advised to undergo a colonoscopy to examine the intestinal mucosa for mucus attachment, or signs of hyperemia, erosion, or edema.