Lactase deficiency

Lactase deficiency is a disease characterized by the inability to break down milk sugar (lactose) due to a decrease in the activity or absence of the enzyme lactase. 

Symptoms:

bloating,

•  flatulence,

•  diarrhea,

• abdominal discomfort.

Causes:

• Genetic predisposition

• Diseases of the small intestine (enteritis, rotavirus infections, acute intestinal infections, giardiasis, etc.).

Who is at risk?

• Persons who have relatives with intolerance to milk and dairy products.

• Certain ethnic groups. In the Russian population, lactase deficiency is observed in about 16 %.

• Infants (the development of lactose intolerance is associated with adulthood).

How to diagnose lactase deficiency?

• Rapid test for the diagnosis of the activity of the enzyme lactase in order to determine the degree of lactase deficiency (duodenal biopsy)

• Respiratory hydrogen test with lactose.

How is lactase deficiency treated?

For each clinical case, the most appropriate treatment option is selected. The treatment is based on diet therapy, and depending on the patient's complaints, it is also possible to prescribe antidiarrheal drugs, enzyme preparations, vitamin D and other vitamin complexes, drugs to restore intestinal biocenosis.