Final answer:
Lactose intolerance causes gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal cramps, bloating, diarrhea, gas, and sometimes nausea and fatigue. These symptoms are due to the undigested lactose in the large intestine and typically resolve after lactose is expelled. Management includes avoiding lactose or using lactose-free products and lactase supplements.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lactose intolerance is a condition where individuals have difficulty digesting lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products, due to a deficiency or absence of the enzyme lactase. This results in various gastrointestinal symptoms once lactose reaches the large intestine. The main symptoms include abdominal cramps, bloating, diarrhea, and gas production. The severity of these symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. Typically, these symptoms resolve after the lactose is expelled from the body through feces.
It's important to distinguish lactose intolerance from other gastrointestinal disorders. Lactose intolerance symptoms usually occur after consuming dairy and improve with the avoidance of lactose-containing foods. Besides general discomfort, individuals with lactose intolerance can experience watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach pain, nausea, and even fatigue. For those who cannot avoid dairy, lactose-free milk and lactase enzyme supplements are available to help manage symptoms.