Gassy? 5 signs your child could be lactose intolerant

Stomach cramps, nausea and passing wind could all be signs your child may have a lactose intolerance.

If you notice they are feeling sick after eating or drinking dairy products, chances are they might be intolerant to dairy.

Most people are able to digest milk without a problem, but for others the reaction is caused by the body’s inability to fully digest the sugar (lactose) in dairy products.

A fully functioning small intestine is supposed to produce an enzyme called lactase, while those with a deficiency in this enzyme are lactose intolerant.

Symptoms usually appear 30 minutes to two hours after eating or drinking foods that contain lactose, and while it is generally a harmless condition, it can be pretty uncomfortable.

Also, getting sick and running to the loo too often can cause dehydration so always check in with your doctor.

If you’re still unsure if that’s the cause of your child's upset stomach, here are five symptoms to watch out for:

1. Diarrhoea

2. Nausea or vomiting

3. Abdominal Cramps

4. Bloating

5. Gas

Although rare, some people are born with no lactose activity which causes them to be lactose intolerant.

Generally, children develop a secondary lactose intolerance following an illness, injury or after an operation on the small intestine.

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