Lactose Intolerance in Hattiesburg, MS

Lactose intolerance occurs because of your body’s inability to make, or a shortage in the creation of, lactase. Two major reasons your body might be unable to produce enough lactase to help break up lactose include:

Primary Lactose Intolerance

Primary lactose intolerance is the most common variation of lactose intolerance and is a result of age. As you age, the less lactase your body yields. This kind of lactose intolerance might partially be passed through hereditary factors and impacts certain populations to a greater extent than others. Per the food intolerance network, lactase deficiency impacts 5 – 17% of Europeans, approximately 44% of Americans, roughly 50% of Hispanic/Latino people, and 60 – 80% percent of Africans and Asians.

Secondary Lactose Intolerance

Secondary lactose intolerance commonly occurs when the small intestine is injured due to an illness, trauma, surgical procedure, or more difficult problem like Celiac disease or Crohn’s disease. This is because the creation of lactase lessens when the small intestine (duodenum) is inflamed. Treatment of the condition can return the function of the duodenum and restore lactase amounts to normal.

To learn more about lactose intolerance, contact a Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC location in your area to connect with a gastroenterologist provider who focuses on the condition. Our team will give knowledgeable advice and details on how to manage lactose intolerance.