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[Lactose intolerance in the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain in children]
I Cierna1, A Cernák, M Krajcírová
1II. detská klinika DFNsP, Bratislava.
Insights
Lactose intolerance is a significant cause of abdominal pain in children, even with atypical symptoms. A low-lactose diet effectively improved clinical outcomes in affected individuals.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Nutritional Science
Context:
- Abdominal pain and chronic nutritional disorders are common in children.
- The breath hydrogen test is a diagnostic tool for carbohydrate malabsorption.
Purpose:
- To investigate the relationship between lactose intolerance and abdominal pain in children.
- To evaluate the clinical presentation and treatment outcomes of lactose intolerance in pediatric patients.
Summary:
- A study examined 542 children aged 0-15 years. Lactose intolerance was identified in 107 children with abdominal pain and 95 with nutritional disorders.
- Lactose intolerance was confirmed as the sole cause of abdominal pain in 24.3% of cases, often presenting atypically with abdominal pain as the primary symptom.
- Clinical symptoms improved in patients following a low-lactose diet, highlighting its therapeutic role.
Impact:
- This research underscores the importance of considering lactose intolerance in pediatric patients presenting with unexplained abdominal pain.
- Early diagnosis and dietary management can significantly improve the quality of life for children with lactose intolerance.
Abstract:
In the period from 1990 to 1992 542 children aged 0-15 years were examined by the breath hydrogen test for abdominal pain and chronic nutritional disorder. The results of lactose tests were pathological in 107 children with abdominal pain and 95 with chronic nutritional disorder. The authors followed 107 children with abdominal pain and directed their attention to its relationship to lactose intolerance. It was confirmed to be the only cause of abdominal pain in twenty-six children (24.3%). In spite of the well known pathogenetic mechanism of lactose intolerance leading to abdominal pain and metheorism and loose stools, an atypical clinical course was observed in these patients. There were no complaints associated with the intake of milk in history, the abdominal pain being the leading symptom in all patients but four who had loose stools. There was an improvement of clinical symptoms after the low-lactose diet.