Overview:

• People with lactose intolerance are unable to fully digest the sugar (lactose) in milk
• As a result, they have diarrhea, gas and bloating after eating or drinking dairy products.
• The condition, which is also called lactose malabsorption, is usually harmless, but its symptoms can be uncomfortable.
• Too little of an enzyme produced in your small intestine (lactase) is usually responsible for lactose intolerance.
• You can have low levels of lactase and still be able to digest milk products. But if your levels are too low you become lactose intolerant, leading to symptoms after you eat or drink dairy.

Symptoms:

The signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance usually begin from 30 minutes to two hours after eating or drinking foods that contain lactose.

Common signs and symptoms include:
-Diarrhea
-Nausea, and sometimes, vomiting
-Stomach cramps
-Bloating
-Gas.

When to See a Doctor:

Make an appointment with your doctor if you frequently have symptoms of lactose intolerance after eating dairy foods, particularly if you're worried about getting enough calcium.