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Lactose intolerance
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Lactose intolerance

Contributors: Michael W. Winter MD, Christine Osborne MD, Khaled Bittar MD, Nishant H. Patel MD, Desiree Rivera-Nieves MD, Paritosh Prasad MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Lactose intolerance is a common malabsorption disease caused by insufficient lactase enzyme in the small intestine resulting in flatulence, diarrhea, bloating, and cramping abdominal pain after ingesting lactose-containing foods. The incidence of lactose intolerance varies among ethnicities, with patients of African, Asian, Native American, and Hispanic descent most affected.

Lactase deficiency can be primary, secondary, or congenital.
  • Primary – Low levels of lactase enzyme. Symptom onset may be in childhood or adulthood.
  • Secondary – Reversible lactase deficiency caused by mucosal injury, often in the setting of viral illnesses.
  • Congenital – A rare autosomal recessive absence of lactase activity at birth leading to diarrhea and hypercalcemia in infancy, predisposing patients to nephrocalcinosis.

Codes

ICD10CM:
E73.9 – Lactose intolerance, unspecified

SNOMEDCT:
782415009 – Intolerance to lactose

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Diagnostic Pearls

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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls

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Management Pearls

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Therapy

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References

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Last Reviewed:01/10/2018
Last Updated:03/03/2024
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Lactose intolerance
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A medical illustration showing key findings of Lactose intolerance : Abdominal pain, Diarrhea, Nausea, Vomiting, Abdominal cramp, Developed rapidly , Hyperactive bowel sounds, No acute distress
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.