How to deal with nausea from lactose intolerance?

Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 16, 2024
00:00
00:00

Patients with lactose intolerance who experience nausea can consider using some medications for symptomatic treatment. For example, they can use meclozine orally or by muscle injection. They may also use medications that promote gastric motility, such as domperidone, mosapride, and itopride, to treat impaired gastric motility. Patients with lactose intolerance may also experience bloating, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation. Appropriate symptomatic treatments can be taken according to different symptoms. Lactose intolerance, if due to a secondary disease such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, requires active treatment of the primary disease. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

Other Voices

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Huang Kun Mei
Pediatrics
45sec home-news-image

Will baby lactose intolerance get better on its own?

Whether lactose intolerance in babies will resolve on its own depends on the severity of the symptoms. If the symptoms are mild, mothers should pay attention to a balanced diet, which may gradually lead to recovery. However, if the symptoms are more pronounced, it is necessary to visit the hospital promptly for diagnosis. If diagnosed with lactose intolerance, medication, such as lactase, may be required, and the medication should be administered according to the specific conditions of the child. For babies under six months who are exclusively breastfed, it is crucial for mothers to ensure a balanced nutrition. If the baby is over six months old, they should be fed foods that are easy to digest.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
48sec home-news-image

How many times a day does lactose intolerance cause diarrhea?

Patients with lactose intolerance can have multiple bowel movements per day after consuming milk; a mild case can result in 3-4 bowel movements, while severe cases might lead to dozens, potentially causing dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. For lactose-intolerant patients who need to consume milk, it must be specially treated beforehand. Additionally, if diarrhea is caused by poor digestion in the gastrointestinal tract, certain medications that adjust the gut microbiota can be used to aid digestion, such as Bifidobacterium triple viable bacteria and Bacillus cereus, etc. If the diarrhea is caused by allergies, allergen testing should be conducted. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
59sec home-news-image

What should I do if the baby is lactose intolerant?

If the baby is lactose intolerant and does not have frequent bowel movements and it does not affect their growth and development, then no special treatment is needed. If there is frequent diarrhea and slow weight gain, then an adjustment in diet is necessary. If there is significant acute diarrhea accompanied by dehydration, we should initially rehydrate the infant either intravenously or orally to correct the dehydration. At the same time, you can start with some lactose-free formula and, after the diarrhea stops, gradually increase the amount of breast milk or other formulas based on the child's condition. Regardless of whatever food substitute is used, the overall principle is to not decrease the nutritional needs of the child. As solid foods are introduced and breast milk or cow's milk is decreased, diarrhea will gradually cease. If diarrhea does not subside, oral lactase enzyme preparations can also be provided to supplement lactase enzyme therapy.

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.