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

Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
Updated on September 02, 2024
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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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How to deal with nausea from lactose intolerance?

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.)

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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.

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Symptoms of infant lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance in infants is mostly due to lactose intolerance secondary to post-viral infections, with a small portion being primary lactose intolerance caused by low activity or lack of lactase. This leads to undigested lactose after consuming animal milk, resulting in a series of clinical symptoms. Common symptoms include changes in stool; for lactose-intolerant children, there are relatively more curds in the stool, and the stool is somewhat loose and poorly digested. Additionally, children with lactose intolerance often have poor digestive function, increased gastrointestinal gas, and sometimes experience bloating and abdominal discomfort, which can also affect the baby's sleep.

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What should I do if lactose intolerance makes me feel like vomiting?

People with lactose intolerance often feel nauseous and should avoid drinking milk. If they must drink milk, it needs to undergo special treatment first. Consuming untreated milk can lead to diarrhea in lactose-intolerant individuals, and severe cases may result in dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Additionally, those with lactose intolerance should also check for any milk allergies or diarrhea caused by indigestion. It is essential to conduct allergen tests and, if necessary, take oral medication to regulate the digestive system.

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Lactose intolerance lacks what enzyme?

Lactose intolerance is caused by a deficiency of lactase, which can lead to diarrhea when consuming dairy products. Thus, patients with this condition should avoid consuming milk powder, cow's milk, goat's milk, etc. If they must consume dairy, they should choose products that have been specially processed. Patients with lactose intolerance can drink rice soup, thin porridge, millet congee, and similar foods. It is also important for these patients to maintain dietary hygiene, avoid overeating, and avoid binge eating. Eating small, frequent meals to ensure a steady supply of nutrients is recommended.