How to know if my baby is lactose intolerant?

Are you confused whether your baby is lactose intolerant or not? Does your little one cry, have gas or diarrhea after dairy consumption? Well, there’s a simple way to figure out if those were just some coincidences, or if it’s time for you to say goodbye to that gallon of milk dancing in your dreams. Let’s get started.

Understanding Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is actually quite common among people worldwide. It happens when the body loses its enzyme known as lactase (not that we care about the names anyway). You see, ‘lactase’ helps in breaking down lactose — sugar found in milk and other dairy products — which eventually gets absorbed by our bodies easily.

But here comes the twist: without enough lactase hanging around inside us like an idle loafer waiting for directions from their boss (you guessed it right!: The Bosses are our digestive systems), when we drink/eat something with too much-lactose content – BOOM- nausea, cramps bloating and/or even diarrhea take over (please note that crying over lack of cheese isn’t considered a symptom).

Symptoms of Infantile Lactose Intolerance

Don’t underestimate these cute little humans’ tummies; they could act up weirdly sometimes.Long story short: Remember how I told you at first place “if those were just some coincidences”?now let me elaborate:

A few signs showed by infants who acquire this disability (just kidding) include:

  • Gas pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Fussiness/Irritability
  • Bonus Tip: If they’re trying to tease/call each other names like “naughty curd” or “butter biscuit”…yeah Sonny Jim can be sure all he wants to.

When Should You See a Doctor?

We support you in your decision to play doctor by watching episodes of ‘Grey’s anatomy’ without blinking. But when it comes to your child’s health, some things need professionals! GO see the doctor if:

  • Your baby’s experiencing severe diarrhea and won’t stop crying
  • Vomiting/severe gas pain kicks in
  • Baby isn’t growing as expected

Remember It’s better to be safe than sorry!

Ways to Confirm Lactose Intolerance

1) Talk with A Doctor
The easiest way would be talking it out with your pediatrician (there goes our Grey’s Anatomy reference). This happens by conducting an elimination test where milk is brought back one day and stopped another¿(see how we can add Spanish too!).

2) Breath Test
Another way is through a ‘breath hydrogen test,’ which measures the amount of hydrogen inside their breaths after consuming lactose (psst: not related but have you ever wondered what creatures lie beyond life on Earth? If I could measure that on my burp, I wouldn’t mind cribbing about intolerance so much anymore).

3) Stool-acid Test
It occurs when doctors mix acids/stools before doing lab work/culture; they’re testing for acidity levels in stools – urine. Yep, Those stomach gurgling sounds will finally serve a purpose now!!

4) Blood Test
A blood test analyses sugar absorption rates caused due to lactase deficiency.(now don’t run overthinking about poor lactic acid again)

Please note that these methods should never be performed at home by yourself — leave the nitty-gritty stuff for those who know best!

Management of Infantile Lactose Intolerance

Just like handling any other condition, “Prevention Is Key.” Here are some tips & tricks;

  • Fermented Milk: These bad boys help break down the lactose faster behind the scenes, so why not make it a fun family quarantine activity and start making some high lip-smacking yogurt right at home!

  • Lactose-free products: (who knew lying could grant us wisdom!) There are milk/nutrition substitutes which are as good for your baby’s health as dairy products without any risks.

  • Infant formula made for lactose intolerance babies: Yeah! They exist. Visit the aisles of drug stores to find what product works best for you.

Conclusion

So, there you have it — now I’ve shared all my enlightened wisdom to help figure out if this condition is at the heart of those sleepless nights or not(not like anyone wants that either). Keep in mind that if your baby does turn out to be lactose intolerant finding alternatives will get easier with time! Just remember one thing; A happy tum-tum makes an even happier kid.

And If nothing else distracts you from constant overthinking scenarios ; Then don’t worry about anything at all because ‘’all roads eventually lead home- where ice cream waits patiently”.

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