How to Prepare for a Video Visit About Lactose Intolerance

Audience: adult

If you think you might have lactose intolerance, a video visit with a healthcare provider can help you understand your symptoms and discuss next steps. Lactose intolerance means your body has trouble digesting lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. During the video visit, your provider will ask about your symptoms, diet, and medical history. They may suggest ways to manage symptoms, such as adjusting your diet or trying lactase supplements. Preparing for your video visit can help you get the most from the appointment. Remember, telemedicine can guide you on managing symptoms but cannot replace in-person tests or emergency care. If you experience severe symptoms like dehydration or intense abdominal pain, seek urgent medical help.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe abdominal pain that does not improve — seek urgent medical care immediately.
• Signs of dehydration such as dizziness, dry mouth, or decreased urination — get emergency help.
• Blood in stool or unexplained weight loss — arrange prompt in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing symptoms and medical history related to lactose intolerance.
• Providing education on lactose intolerance and dietary management.
• Recommending over-the-counter lactase supplements or dietary adjustments.
• Determining if symptoms require urgent or in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations or diagnostic tests like hydrogen breath tests.
• Diagnosing other conditions that may mimic lactose intolerance without in-person assessment.
• Managing severe or emergency symptoms that require immediate medical intervention.

What is Lactose Intolerance?

Lactose intolerance happens when your body does not make enough lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose found in milk and dairy products. This can cause symptoms like bloating, gas, diarrhea, and stomach cramps after eating or drinking dairy. It is common worldwide and can develop at any age.

How a Video Visit Can Help

During your video visit, your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, when they happen, and your eating habits. They may help identify if lactose intolerance is likely or if other causes need to be considered. Your provider can suggest ways to manage symptoms, such as dietary changes or over-the-counter lactase supplements. They may also discuss if further testing is needed.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

To prepare, write down your symptoms, including when they started and what foods seem to trigger them. Make a list of questions you want to ask. Have a list of current medications and supplements ready. Find a quiet, private place with good internet connection for the call. If possible, have a family member or friend nearby to help if needed.

What Telemedicine Can and Cannot Do

Telemedicine can help you understand your symptoms, offer advice on managing lactose intolerance, and decide if you need in-person tests. However, it cannot perform physical exams, lab tests, or emergency care. If your symptoms are severe or worsening, you may need to see a healthcare provider in person.

After Your Video Visit

Follow the advice given by your healthcare provider. This may include trying dietary changes or supplements. Keep track of your symptoms and any changes. If symptoms persist or worsen, schedule an in-person visit for further evaluation. Contact your provider if you develop new or severe symptoms.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down your symptoms, including when they started and what foods trigger them.
• List any medications, supplements, or treatments you are currently using.
• Prepare questions or concerns you want to discuss with your provider.
• Ensure you have a quiet, private space with a reliable internet connection for the video visit.
• Have a notepad or device ready to take notes during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow dietary or supplement recommendations provided by your healthcare provider.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes after making adjustments.
• Schedule an in-person visit if symptoms persist, worsen, or new symptoms develop.
• Seek immediate medical care if you experience severe abdominal pain, dehydration, or blood in stool.
• Keep communication open with your provider for follow-up questions or concerns.

FAQs

What foods should I avoid if I have lactose intolerance?

People with lactose intolerance often avoid milk, cheese, ice cream, and other dairy products containing lactose. Some can tolerate small amounts or lactose-free dairy. Your healthcare provider can help you find the best diet for your needs.

Can lactose intolerance be cured?

Lactose intolerance is usually a lifelong condition. However, symptoms can often be managed well by adjusting your diet and using lactase enzyme supplements when consuming dairy.

How is lactose intolerance different from a milk allergy?

Lactose intolerance is a digestive issue caused by lack of the enzyme lactase. A milk allergy involves the immune system reacting to milk proteins and can cause more serious symptoms like hives or difficulty breathing. It's important to know which condition you have for proper management.

Are there tests to diagnose lactose intolerance?

Yes, tests like the hydrogen breath test or lactose tolerance blood test can help diagnose lactose intolerance. These usually require visiting a healthcare facility in person.

Can I take lactase supplements to help with symptoms?

Yes, lactase enzyme supplements can help some people digest lactose and reduce symptoms. Talk with your healthcare provider about how and when to use them.

Sources

1. Lactose Intolerance — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Lactose Intolerance — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Lactose Intolerance — Mayo Clinic.
4. Lactose Intolerance — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have severe or worsening symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.