What signs of lactose intolerance do babies show? How is it identified? What types of treatments are used? You will find the answer and more in this article.
Lactose intolerance may occur in children or adults, but what are the symptoms of lactose intolerance in infants? We strongly suggest you to read on because this page has been especially written to give you an adequate response and other relevant information:
Symptoms of lactose intolerance in infants
Symptoms of lactose intolerance usually begin within half an hour to two hours of breastfeeding or consuming dairy products. The following are the top three of these signs:
- diarrhea.
- bloating
- Gases.
- diaper rash
- difficulty for the child in acquiring weight.
- Irritability and crying.
- Difficulty breastfeeding .
- The toddler tightened his fist and raised his legs to show that he was experiencing stomach pain.
- cramps in the stomach, which cause the area to feel rigid to the touch and larger than usual.
Methods for diagnosing lactose intolerance in infants
Now that you are familiar with the key signs of lactose intolerance in young children, it is crucial to discuss the various diagnostic techniques. The following are the most crucial of these techniques:
1. Hydrogen Breath test
Infants that are lactose intolerant typically have high hydrogen gas levels in their breath, which can be measured in this test.
2. Elimination test
One diagnostic technique that depends on the symptoms of lactose intolerance in newborns is the elimination diet, which involves denying the child lactose-containing foods for a week or two. If the symptoms do not improve, the diagnosis is confirmed as soon as the child resumes eating these foods.
3. Test for dairy sensitivity
The specialist doctor administers this test, which involves dabbing a small amount of milk protein on the child's skin and then observing the youngster to see if an allergic reaction occurs.
Treatment of lactose intolerance in infants
Now we must discuss how to treat lactose intolerance in infants, and here you should know that secondary lactose intolerance, which is the result of a viral infection or premature birth of a child, is temporary in most infants and children, as the symptoms of lactose intolerance in infants and children improve within a few weeks, and then you can, And after consulting the doctor, gradually reintroduce milk products into the child's diet.
On the other hand, a child's diet must be modified if they have congenital lactase deficiency, which is a lifelong condition.
The doctor will recommend switching the infant's milk and giving him lactose-free milk after the diagnosis has been made. If you decide to continue breastfeeding, you can give your child Lactase substitute Drops, which facilitate the digestion of lactose in breast milk.
Tips for dealing with symptoms of lactose intolerance in infants
Here are some important tips that help you deal with the symptoms of lactose intolerance in your child:
1. Ensure that your kid consumes calcium and vitamin D
This is one of the most crucial pieces of advice because a lactose-intolerant child may have a shortfall because calcium and vitamin D, which are crucial for a child's bone development and strength, are found in great quantities in dairy products. The good news is that milk without lactose has high calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin D concentrations.
2. Steer clear of giving your kid lactose-containing goods.
You should refrain from giving the child any foods that, in addition to dairy products, may contain high quantities of lactose. These items include the following:
- Oats.
- mashed potatoes.
- Teething biscuits .
- Pudding.
- the cheese.
- Fruit sundae.