Am I Lactose Intolerant Quiz: Identify IBS or Lactose Symptoms

Study Notes

Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance occurs when the small intestine does not produce enough lactase enzyme, leading to mal-digestion of lactose (milk sugar).
Undigested lactose reaches the colon, where intestinal bacteria digest it, producing glucose, galactose, and gas by-products.
Symptoms include bloating, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea.
Damage to the intestinal brush border of villi, where lactase is produced, can cause lactose intolerance, e.g., due to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, infection, celiac disease, or inflammatory bowel disease.
Diet therapy involves avoiding dairy and dairy products, and obtaining sufficient calcium and vitamin D from non-dairy sources.
Aged, cultured, and fermented dairy products, such as yogurt, aged cheeses, and buttermilk, may be tolerated due to lower lactose content and presence of good bacteria that produce lactase.

Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis

Diverticulosis is characterized by the formation of little pockets or pouches called diverticula on the inside of the large intestine due to weakened muscle.
Diverticulitis is the inflammation of the diverticula, caused by bacteria breeding in the pockets, leading to infection, pain, and inflammation.
Diet therapy for diverticulosis involves a high fiber diet to increase stool volume, reduce pressure in the colon, and shorten transit time.
Nuts, seeds, and popcorn may be temporarily avoided to prevent entrapment.
For diverticulitis, treatment involves antibiotics, sometimes surgery, and a clear liquid diet, followed by a low-residue diet and then a high fiber diet when tolerated.

Constipation

Constipation is characterized by infrequent or difficult stool passage.
Causes include low fiber diet, medications, iron and calcium supplements, physical inactivity, and medical conditions such as Parkinson's, Spina Bifida, pregnancy, and neuromuscular diseases.
Diet therapy involves a high fiber diet (20-35g/day) and adequate fluid intake.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is characterized by loose stool.
Causes include certain diseases, infections, and medications.
Diet therapy involves adequate liquid intake, avoidance of fatty foods, lactose, sugar alcohols, and caffeine, and introduction of starch CHO.
BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) and pre- and probiotics may be useful.
Soups, broths, vegetable juices, and oral rehydration solution with electrolytes can also be helpful.

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBDs)

IBDs are chronic conditions causing inflammation in the GI tract, leading to malabsorption and malnutrition.
Ulcerative Colitis is a type of IBD that affects the colon and rectum.
Crohn's Disease is an autoimmune disease that affects both small and large intestines, causing ulcers, inflammation, and malnutrition.
Symptoms include bloody diarrhea, cramps, fatigue, nausea, anorexia, and malnutrition, leading to weight loss.
Diet therapy involves anti-inflammatory drugs, low-residue diet, adequate protein, calories, vitamins, and minerals, and total parenteral nutrition (TPN) in severe cases.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a condition characterized by unexplained abdominal discomfort or pain, associated with changes in bowel habits, gas, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation, and increased GI distress associated with psychosocial distress.
Treatment options include medications focused on symptom relief and medical nutrition therapy.

Description

Test your knowledge on lactose intolerance and its symptoms. Learn about the causes of lactose intolerance and the common symptoms associated with it, such as bloating, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea. Explore how damage to the intestinal brush border villi can lead to lactose intolerance.