
You've eaten a pizza or a dessert with cream... and a few hours later, you're experiencing digestive discomfort. Bloating, cramps, tiredness? It could be a case of lactose intolerance. But how long will this crisis lastAnd above all: what can you do to shorten it? Find out in this article.
When do symptoms of lactose intolerance appear?
After consuming lactose, symptoms generally appear between 15 minutes and 6 hours. It all depends on the amount eaten, the type of meal and individual sensitivities. Some people feel bloating very quickly, while others only feel the effects during the night or the following morning.
How long does an attack of lactose intolerance last?
The duration of an attack varies. On average, an attack of lactose intolerance may last a few hours to 24 hours. In some very sensitive people, digestive discomfort may persist for longer, up to 48 hoursespecially if a large amount of lactose has been consumed.
Why does the duration vary from person to person?
Several factors influence the duration of a crisis:
- The amount of lactose ingested The higher the dose, the longer the symptoms.
- Speed of intestinal transit Slow transit can prolong discomfort.
- Individual sensitivity Some people react to very small doses.
- The type of food eaten with lactose Dairy products eaten on their own often provoke a faster and more intense reaction.
What are the most common symptoms during a seizure?
Attacks of lactose intolerance often result in :
- bloating,
- abdominal cramps,
- accelerated or slowed transit,
- feeling of heaviness in the digestive tract,
- sometimes severe fatigue linked to digestion.
Is a crisis of intolerance dangerous?
No. An attack of lactose intolerance is unpleasant but not serious. It does not cause lesions or long-term complications. It is a functional disorder linked to poor digestion of lactose. On the other hand, if the symptoms are very frequent or intensify, it is better to consult a healthcare professional to rule out another digestive cause.
What can be done to shorten the duration of a crisis?
If a crisis does occur, there are unfortunately no no miracle solution to stop it immediatelyHowever, there are a few things you can do to ease the discomfort and speed up the return to normal:
- Drink lukewarm water regularly,
- Eat light meals (rice, cooked vegetables, bananas),
- Avoid dairy products and fatty dishes while you recover,
- apply a hot water bottle to the stomach to relieve cramps.
How can we prevent future crises?
The best way to reduce the duration and intensity of a crisis is to avoid them in advance. To do this, you can :
- choose lactose-free products,
- prefer mature cheeses, which are naturally low in lactose,
- take a lactase supplement such as LACTOLERANCE before eating a meal containing lactose to ensure optimal digestion.
Summary
An attack of lactose intolerance lasts on average from a few hours to 24 hours, sometimes up to 48 hours depending on sensitivity and the amount ingested. Although it can't be stopped instantly, there are a few things you can do to make it easier to cope. To prevent these attacks, supplements LACTOLERANCE offer an effective solution for digesting lactose without discomfort.
How long does an attack of lactose intolerance last?
In general, a digestive crisis linked to lactose intolerance lasts from a few hours to 24 hours. This depends on the amount of lactose ingested, the person's digestive sensitivity and whether or not they are taking digestive enzymes.
When do symptoms appear after eating lactose?
Symptoms generally appear between 30 minutes and 6 hours after ingesting lactose, depending on metabolism, the type of meal and the level of intolerance.
What are the signs of a lactose intolerance attack?
Bloating, abdominal pain, flatulence, diarrhoea, even nausea or tiredness. These signs can range from mild to intense, depending on the dose of lactose ingested and the individual's sensitivity.
How can I relieve an attack of lactose intolerance?
Rest, stay hydrated, eat a light diet and, if necessary, take a dose of enzyme. lactase such as LACTOLERANCE 9000 or ULTRA to limit persistent effects.
Can we avoid future crises?
Yes, either by avoiding products containing lactose, or by taking a digestive supplement adapted to each meal, such as LACTOLERANCE 1/DAY for continuous comfort.

Hello, I'm Vincent
Like you, I'm lactose intolerantI know exactly what you're going through and the difficulties you encounter on a daily basis. For over 10 years, I've been helping our customers to use our dietary supplements and giving advice and tips on how to improve their digestive comfort. I'm also a keen cook and gourmet, so you'll find my favourite recipes for a lactose-free diet in this blog.
Lactose intolerance is not inevitable! With LACTOLERANCE you can digest with complete peace of mind