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Lactose Intolerance Symptoms

Lactose intolerance symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the amount of lactose a person can tolerate, as well as other factors. Common symptoms include bloating, gas, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. However, these symptoms are not always sure signs of lactose intolerance.

 

An Introduction to Lactose Intolerance Symptoms

The severity of lactose intolerance symptoms depends on many factors, including the amount of lactose (milk sugar) a person can tolerate and the person's age, ethnicity, and digestion rate.
 

Common Lactose Intolerance Symptoms

People who do not have enough lactase (an enzyme that breaks down lactose) to digest the amount of lactose they consume may feel very uncomfortable when they digest milk products. Common lactose intolerance symptoms, which range from mild to severe, include:
 
  • Nausea
  • Cramps
  • Abdominal pain
  • Bloating
  • Gas
  • Diarrhea
  • Odd-smelling stool
  • Floating stool.
     
Lactose intolerance symptoms begin about 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating or drinking foods containing lactose. Lactose intolerance symptoms are usually worse in someone with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
 

Summary of Lactose Intolerance Symptoms

These possible lactose intolerance symptoms are not always sure signs of lactose intolerance. Other common health problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome, milk allergies in children, or the stomach flu, can also cause these symptoms. Anyone with these possible lactose intolerance symptoms should see a doctor so that the problem can be diagnosed and treated.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD