Lactose intolerance is a condition marked by sensitivity to lactose, a substance found in dairy products. Patients typically experience symptoms including upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea and abdominal cramping after ingesting milk, yogurt, cheese, ice cream or other dairy products. Lactose intolerance can easily be managed by making dietary adjustments to reduce or eliminate the intake of dairy foods, but medications designed to neutralize symptoms can also be prescribed to patients with milder cases who wish to include dairy foods in their diets. It is believed that genetics play a key role in the formation of the condition, though researchers are ultimately unsure of exactly what causes lactose intolerance.
