|  | Conditions Treatments | Irritable Bowel Syndrome

How Are the Symptoms of IBS & Lactose Intolerance Related?

If you have problems with bloating, cramps, diarrhea or gas after eating dairy products, you may be lactose intolerant or have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). For some people, lactose intolerance is part of IBS--you should see a doctor for a diagnosis.

  1. Common Symptoms

    • IBS and lactose intolerance have several symptoms in common: cramping, diarrhea, gas and bloating. With lactose intolerance, these symptoms are caused by a lack of the enzyme lactase, which makes digesting the lactose in milk impossible for your body; the symptoms of IBS are caused by many factors, including diet.

    Diagnosis

    • A doctor can diagnose IBS by reviewing your symptoms and your medical history; he may also run blood or stool tests, or perform a colonoscopy to make sure no other conditions are causing your symptoms. To diagnose lactose intolerance, a doctor may have you drink a beverage with lactose in it and then test the hydrogen levels in your breath; he may also check your stool for glucose and lactic acid, or perform an enteroscopy.

    Treatment

    • Treatment for the symptoms of IBS and lactose intolerance typically involves modifying your diet. Eating or drinking soy-based products or products with the lactase enzyme added can help manage lactose intolerance and IBS; you may also consider trying lactase enzyme tablets, which you can purchase over the counter at drugstores.

    Considerations

    • Consider reducing the amount of processed foods you consume, since milk products are often used to make items last longer. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, lactose can also be found in prescription medications such as birth control pills; be sure to check with your doctor when he writes your prescription.

    Warning

    • Avoiding milk products entirely can lead to calcium and vitamin D deficiencies, both of which can lead to serious health complications. Be sure to eat a balanced diet complete with foods such as spinach, eggs and liver, or take calcium and vitamin D supplements.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Related Articles