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Lactose intolerance and hiatal hernia

Description

Lactose intolerance is a digestive disorder that occurs when the body is unable to fully digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. People with lactose intolerance are unable to produce enough of the enzyme lactase, which is needed to break down lactose in the small intestine. As a result, undigested lactose passes into the large intestine, where it is fermented by bacteria and can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea.

A hiatal hernia is a type of hernia that occurs when part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm and into the chest cavity. This can cause symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing. Hiatal hernias are usually treated with lifestyle changes and medications, but surgery may be necessary in some cases. There is no direct connection between lactose intolerance and hiatal hernia.

Symptoms

Here are the symptoms of lactose intolerance:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Bloating
  • Gas
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea

And here are the symptoms of hiatal hernia:

  • Heartburn
  • Chest pain
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Belching
  • Sore throat
  • Dry cough

Causes

Here are the causes of lactose intolerance:

  • Congenital lactase deficiency: This is a rare inherited condition in which a person is born with very little lactase enzyme.
  • Primary lactase deficiency: This is a common condition that occurs when the body naturally produces less lactase enzyme as it gets older.
  • Secondary lactase deficiency: This occurs when the small intestine is damaged or inflamed, such as due to an illness, injury, or surgery.

And here are the causes of hiatal hernia:

  • Aging
  • Obesity
  • Pregnancy
  • Persistent coughing or vomiting
  • Straining during bowel movements
  • Heavy lifting

Risk factors

Here are the risk factors for lactose intolerance:

  • Family history: People with a family history of lactose intolerance are more likely to develop the condition.
  • Age: Lactose intolerance is more common in adults than in children.
  • Ethnicity: Lactose intolerance is more common in people of African, Asian, Hispanic, and American Indian descent. 

Here are the risk factors for hiatal hernia:

  • Age: Hiatal hernias are more common in people over the age of 50.
  • Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of hiatal hernia.
  • Pregnancy: Pregnancy can weaken the muscles in the abdomen and increase the risk of hiatal hernia.
  • Persistent coughing or vomiting: These activities can put strain on the abdomen and increase the risk of hiatal hernia.
  • Straining during bowel movements: This can also put strain on the abdomen and increase the risk of hiatal hernia.
  • Heavy lifting: Lifting heavy objects can put strain on the muscles in the abdomen and increase the risk of hiatal hernia.

Complications

Here are some possible complications of lactose intolerance:

  • Malnutrition: Lactose intolerance can cause nutrient deficiencies if lactose-containing foods are not included in the diet.
  • Osteoporosis: Lactose intolerance may increase the risk of osteoporosis, a condition in which the bones become weak and brittle, due to a lack of calcium.
  • Other digestive problems: Lactose intolerance may lead to other digestive problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). 

Here are some possible complications of hiatal hernia:

  • Heartburn: Hiatal hernia can cause heartburn, which is a burning sensation in the chest.
  • Chest pain: Hiatal hernia can cause chest pain, which may be mistaken for a heart attack.
  • Difficulty swallowing: Hiatal hernia can cause difficulty swallowing, which may be mistaken for esophageal cancer.
  • Belching: Hiatal hernia can cause belching, which may be mistaken for a hiatal hernia.
  • Sore throat: Hiatal hernia can cause a sore throat, which may be mistaken for a cold or the flu.
  • Dry cough: Hiatal hernia can cause a dry cough, which may be mistaken for a respiratory infection.

How to diagnose

Here are some common methods for diagnosing lactose intolerance:

  • Lactose tolerance test: This test measures the amount of lactose in the blood after a person consumes a drink containing lactose.
  • Hydrogen breath test: This test measures the amount of hydrogen in the breath after a person consumes a lactose-containing drink. Lactose intolerance can cause an increase in hydrogen in the breath.
  • Stool acidity test: This test measures the pH (acidity) of the stool. Lactose intolerance can cause an increase in the pH of the stool. 

Here are some common methods for diagnosing hiatal hernia:

  • Physical examination: A doctor may be able to feel a hiatal hernia during a physical examination.
  • Endoscopy: This procedure involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera into the esophagus to examine the inside of the esophagus and stomach.
  • Barium swallow: This test involves drinking a chalky liquid (barium) and then having an X-ray taken. The barium will coat the inside of the esophagus and stomach and make them visible on the X-ray.
  • CT scan: A CT scan is a type of imaging test that uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed images of the inside of the body. A CT scan can be used to visualize the inside of the esophagus and stomach.

How to prevent it?

Here are some ways to prevent lactose intolerance:

  • Introduce dairy products gradually: If you are at risk of developing lactose intolerance, it may be helpful to introduce dairy products into your diet gradually.
  • Choose lactose-free or low-lactose products: There are many lactose-free and low-lactose products available, such as lactose-free milk and cheese.
  • Take lactase supplements: Lactase supplements contain the enzyme needed to break down lactose, and can be taken before consuming dairy products. 

Here are some ways to prevent hiatal hernia:

  • Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of hiatal hernia.
  • Eat small, frequent meals: Large meals can put strain on the abdomen and increase the risk of hiatal hernia.
  • Avoid tight clothing: Tight clothing can put pressure on the abdomen and increase the risk of hiatal hernia.
  • Avoid straining during bowel movements: Straining can put pressure on the abdomen and increase the risk of hiatal hernia.
  • Avoid heavy lifting: Lifting heavy objects can put strain on the muscles in the abdomen and increase the risk of hiatal hernia.

When do you need to see a doctor?

It's generally a good idea to see a doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of lactose intolerance or hiatal hernia, as these conditions can be caused by other underlying medical issues. Here are some specific situations when you may want to see a doctor for lactose intolerance and hiatal hernia:

FAQs

There is no cure for lactose intolerance, but the symptoms can be managed by avoiding lactose-containing foods or taking lactase supplements.

In some cases, hiatal hernia can be treated with lifestyle changes and medications. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the hernia.

No, lactose intolerance and milk allergy are not the same thing. Lactose intolerance is a digestive disorder that occurs when the body is unable to fully digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. A milk allergy is an immune system reaction to one or more proteins in milk. Milk allergies can cause symptoms such as hives, rash, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis.

Visit a doctor when you are suffering from lactose intolerance & hiatal hernia!