\n
Does your child complain of tummy aches after drinking a glass of milk or eating an ice cream? Does he suffer from bloating, gas or diarrhoea after certain meals? It could be a case of lactose intolerance<\/strong>This is a common digestive disorder, but one that is still little recognised in children.<\/p>\n Don't panic: there are simple signs to spot<\/strong>accessible tests, and above all practical solutions for adapting your diet without frustration<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Lactose<\/a> is the main sugar in milk. To digest it, the body produces an enzyme called lactase<\/strong>produced in the small intestine.<\/p>\n When this enzyme is produced in insufficient quantities, the lactose is not properly absorbed. It then ferments in the colon, causing discomfort, gas, diarrhoea, pain...<\/strong> This is known as lactose intolerance<\/strong>different frommilk allergy<\/strong>which involves a reaction from the immune system.<\/p>\n The signs vary from child to child. They generally appear between 15 minutes and 2 hours after ingestion of lactose<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Bloating, swollen belly<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Flatulence or foul-smelling gas<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Abdominal pain<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Diarrhoea (sometimes acid)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Nausea or regurgitation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Loose or explosive stools<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Fatigue or irritability after meals<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Sleep disorders<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Loss of appetite<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n \u26a0\ufe0f These signs are non-specific<\/strong>That's why it's important to consult a professional to confirm a link with lactose.<\/em><\/p>\n Here are the steps you can take to confirm a lactose intolerance<\/a> in children :<\/p>\n Start by noting any digestive problems: when do they appear? After which foods? Keep a food diary<\/strong> for a few days.<\/p>\n Under medical supervision, you can test a lactose-free diet for 7 to 14 days<\/strong> to observe an improvement. Then gradually add lactose again to check the reaction.<\/p>\n If the child develops digestive problems again after returning to foods containing lactose<\/a>Intolerance is therefore highly likely.<\/p>\nLactose intolerance: what exactly is it?<\/h2>\n
How can it be identified in children?<\/h2>\n
Most frequent digestive disorders:<\/h3>\n
\n
Other possible signs :<\/h3>\n
\n
How do you confirm lactose intolerance in a child?<\/h2>\n
1. Parental observation<\/strong><\/h3>\n
2. Temporary avoidance of lactose<\/strong><\/h3>\n
3. Medical tests<\/strong><\/h3>\n