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Can You Become Lactose Intolerant All of a Sudden?

Reviewed on 5/18/2022
Woman with lactose intolerance holding a glass of milk in one hand and making a
It is possible to become lactose intolerant all of a sudden due to Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, diabetic enteropathy, some medicines, chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, prolonged abstinence from dairy triggers, aging, and others.

Lactose intolerance is a condition in which the body does not produce enough of the enzyme lactase to break down the sugars in dairy products (lactose). 

Lactose intolerance is not a food allergy, in which the body’s immune system reacts to the protein in dairy products, rather than the sugars. 

It is possible to become lactose intolerant all of a sudden due to:

Other causes of an inability to produce adequate lactase include:

  • Certain genetic conditions
    • Lactase nonpersistence (also called primary lactase deficiency), the most common cause of low lactase levels
    • Congenital lactase deficiency, starts at birth (rare)
  • Premature birth

What Are Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance?

Symptoms of lactose intolerance occur only after eating foods that contain dairy and can include:

  • Abdominal cramps or pain 
  • Bloating 
  • Gas
  • Stomach “growling” or rumbling sounds
  • Belching
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting (more common in teens)
  • Diarrhea (frequently is bulky, foamy, and watery)

How Is Lactose Intolerance Diagnosed?

Lactose intolerance is diagnosed with a patient history and physical examination along with tests such as:

What Is the Treatment for Lactose Intolerance?

Treatment for lactose intolerance includes: 

  • Limiting or avoiding dairy products
  • Enzyme supplementation to help break down the lactose in dairy foods
    • Lactaid (tablets or liquid), Lactrase, LactAce, Dairy Ease, and Lactrol
      • Enzyme supplements should be taken right before eating
      • Supplements may be taken during a meal, but might not work as well
      • These products can’t always break down all the lactose so symptoms may still occur even when a supplement is used
      • Talk to your doctor before using enzyme supplements
  • Supplementing nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, and protein with non-dairy sources

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Reviewed on 5/18/2022
References
Image Source: iStock Images

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/lactose-intolerance-the-basics?search=Lactose%20Intolerance&source=search_result&selectedTitle=2~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=2

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/lactose-intolerance