Bloating after milk: gastroenterologist explained the difference between the norm and intestinal pathology

Unpleasant sensations in the stomach after a glass of milk are often attributed to severe food allergies. However, discomfort can be both a completely natural age-related process and a symptom of latent inflammation. About the causes of bloating told Russian gastroenterologist, hepatologist Ekaterina Kornilova, writes sb.by.

The specialist explained that the concepts of “lactose intolerance” and “lactase deficiency” are not absolute synonyms.

“In practice, primary lactase deficiency is most common, which is a completely natural physiological process. With age, small intestinal cells begin to produce less of the digestive enzyme lactase. If an adult drinks a lot of whole milk at once, he may face bloating, rumbling, abdominal pain or stool disorder, the doctor noted. At the same time, moderate portions of dairy products or lactose-free food are tolerated calmly. This condition is not considered a disease and does not require special treatment - it is enough to adjust the amount of portions.”.

Otherwise, there is a situation with intolerance to products that contain lactose. The problem can occur against the background of inflammatory changes in the gastrointestinal tract: inflammatory bowel disease (including Crohn's disease), excess bacterial growth syndrome (SIBR).

During the progression of these diseases, the inflamed mucous membrane of the small intestine practically ceases to break down milk carbohydrates. During the exacerbation of any inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, lactose products should be minimized or completely excluded from the menu.

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