Lactose Intolerance In Babies And Kids: 8 Signs And Symptoms

Lactose intolerance in babies and kids can often be challenging to identify. Lactose is a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. It’s usually broken down by an enzyme called lactase, produced in the small intestine. However, in cases of lactose intolerance, the body doesn’t produce enough lactase, leading to a range of discomforting symptoms.  

This article will highlight eight signs and symptoms that may indicate lactose intolerance in your child. Keep reading. 

1. Frequent Diarrhoea  

If your baby often has loose, watery stools, especially after meals, lactose intolerance could be the cause. When lactose isn’t broken down properly in the small intestine, it moves into the colon, causing frequent diarrhoea. This is due to the water being pulled into the gut, which softens the stool. It’s an early sign that your child might not be digesting lactose efficiently. 

If you’re nursing or formula-feeding and noticing frequent diarrhoea, consider switching to a dairy free baby formula to see if symptoms improve. Always consult your paediatrician before making any changes to your baby’s diet. 

2. Excessive Gas 

Excessive gas is a symptom often related to lactose intolerance. When lactose isn’t properly absorbed, it ends up in the colon, where bacteria break it down, causing fermentation. This process produces gases that must be expelled, resulting in frequent flatulence. 

If your child passes more gas than usual, particularly after eating dairy products, it could indicate lactose intolerance. Paying close attention to these symptoms can be crucial for managing your child’s comfort and dietary needs.  

3. Bloating 

Bloating is another common symptom of lactose intolerance. This full, swollen belly feeling occurs due to the excessive gas produced from lactose fermentation in the gut. This gas can cause the stomach to distend, making your child feel uncomfortably full even if they haven’t eaten excessively. Observing these symptoms and their timing related to meals can help pinpoint lactose intolerance as the issue. 

4. Stomach Pain And Cramps 

Stomach pain and cramping are telltale signs of lactose intolerance in kids. When lactose doesn’t get absorbed properly, it leads to a gas buildup and pulls water into the gut, causing discomfort. This usually happens within a few hours after having dairy products. If your child regularly complains of stomach aches or seems to be in discomfort after meals, it might not be just a typical tummy ache but a symptom of lactose intolerance. 

5. Nausea And Vomiting 

Nausea and vomiting are more severe symptoms that can indicate lactose intolerance. As mentioned, when lactose isn’t properly absorbed, it ferments in the gut. This could lead to feelings of nausea. This discomfort can sometimes be intense enough to cause vomiting, especially in young children. 

6. Failure To Thrive 

Failure to thrive is a significant symptom to watch out for in infants. It points to insufficient weight gain or slower growth than expected for their age. When lactose isn’t properly absorbed, it hinders the body’s ability to absorb other essential nutrients, leading to poor growth.  

7. Decreased Appetite 

A decrease in appetite, especially for dairy products, can signal lactose intolerance. As children age, they become more in tune with their bodies and might naturally avoid foods that trigger discomfort or pain.  

If your child starts showing an aversion to dairy products or experiences a drop in appetite after consuming them, they may be trying to communicate that these foods aren’t sitting well with them. This instinctual avoidance is their way of coping with the discomfort caused by lactose intolerance. 

8. Symptoms Improve with A Lactose-Free Diet 

Lastly, improvement in symptoms following a lactose-free diet strongly suggests lactose intolerance. When lactose, the potential source of discomfort, is eliminated from the diet, the body no longer has to deal with its effects. Thus, if you notice that your child feels better, experiences fewer stomach issues, or their overall health improves after removing lactose from their diet, lactose intolerance could likely be the culprit. As always, any dietary changes should be discussed with a healthcare provider. 

Conclusion

Recognizing lactose intolerance in babies and kids can be crucial for their comfort and health. By being vigilant about these signs and symptoms, you’ll be better equipped to identify possible lactose intolerance in your child. 

If you suspect your child may be lactose intolerant, consult a healthcare provider. They can provide guidance and potential dietary adjustments to help manage the condition. It’s important to remember that while lactose intolerance can cause discomfort, it’s manageable with the right strategies and, in many cases, can improve over time.