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Lactose and Fructose Intolerance in Turkish Children with Chronic Abdominal Pain
Ozlem Yuce1, Ayhan Gazi Kalayci, Atakan Comba
1Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey. Correspondence to: Dr Ozlem Yuce, Ondokuz Mayis University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Samsun, Turkey. ozlemkirmemis@gmail.com.
Insights
Lactose intolerance and fructose intolerance are common in children with chronic abdominal pain. Dietary changes can significantly improve symptoms for these young patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Digestive Health
- Clinical Nutrition
Background:
- Chronic abdominal pain is a frequent complaint in children.
- Identifying underlying causes like food intolerances is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of lactose and fructose intolerance in pediatric patients experiencing chronic abdominal pain.
- To assess the link between these intolerances and functional gastrointestinal disorders.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 86 children with chronic abdominal pain was evaluated.
- Hydrogen breath tests were employed to diagnose lactose and fructose malabsorption.
- Patients met Rome III criteria for functional abdominal pain syndromes.
Main Results:
- Lactose intolerance was diagnosed in 16.3% of the children.
- Fructose intolerance was identified in 12.8% of the participants.
- A significant portion of children with chronic abdominal pain exhibited these specific intolerances.
Conclusions:
- Lactose and fructose intolerance are notable contributors to chronic abdominal pain in children.
- Dietary modifications targeting these intolerances can lead to symptom improvement.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are key for managing pediatric functional abdominal pain.
Objective:
To investigate the prevalence of lactose and fructose intolerance in children with chronic abdominal pain.
Methods:
Hydrogen breath tests were done to detect lactose and fructose malabsorption in 86 children with chronic abdominal pain (44 irritable bowel syndrome, 24 functional abdominal pain and 17 functional abdominal pain syndrome as per Rome III criteria) presenting to a Pediatric Gastroentreology department.
Results:
14 (16.3%) of patients were diagnosed with lactose intolerance and 11 (12.8%) with fructose intolerance.
Conclusion:
Lactose and fructose intolerance in children can lead to chronic abdominal pain and symptoms improve with dietary modifications.
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