How to prepare for a video visit about Lactose Intolerance

Audience: pediatric

Lactose intolerance means the body has trouble digesting lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. This can cause symptoms like stomach pain, bloating, gas, or diarrhea after eating dairy. If your child has these symptoms, a video visit with a healthcare provider can help understand the problem and suggest ways to manage it. During the visit, the provider will ask about your child's symptoms, diet, and medical history. They may suggest tests to confirm lactose intolerance. Preparing for the visit can help you get the most from the time. Remember, telemedicine is a helpful way to discuss symptoms and get advice but cannot replace in-person exams or urgent care if your child is very sick.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe abdominal pain lasting more than a few hours — seek emergency care immediately.
• Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down — call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room.
• Signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, no tears when crying, sunken eyes, or very little urine output — seek urgent medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing symptoms and medical history related to lactose intolerance.
• Providing general advice on diet and symptom management.
• Determining if further testing or in-person evaluation is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations that require hands-on assessment.
• Diagnosing other causes of abdominal pain that may require urgent care.
• Managing severe or emergency symptoms such as dehydration or severe pain.

What is Lactose Intolerance?

Lactose intolerance happens when the body does not make enough lactase, an enzyme needed to digest lactose in dairy foods. This can cause tummy aches, gas, bloating, and diarrhea after drinking milk or eating cheese and ice cream. It is common in children and adults worldwide.

What to Expect During Your Video Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms, when they happen, and what foods seem to cause problems. They may ask about family history and other health issues. Sometimes, they suggest tests like a lactose tolerance test or hydrogen breath test to confirm the diagnosis. The provider will also discuss ways to manage symptoms.

How to Prepare for the Video Visit

Before the visit, write down your child's symptoms and when they occur. Note any foods that seem to cause problems. Have a list of current medicines and supplements your child takes. Make sure your internet connection and device camera work well. Find a quiet place for the visit where you won’t be interrupted.

Managing Lactose Intolerance

Management often includes avoiding or limiting dairy foods that cause symptoms. Lactose-free milk or dairy alternatives may be helpful. Sometimes lactase enzyme supplements can reduce symptoms. Your provider can guide you on diet changes and when to seek further care.

When to Seek Urgent Care

If your child has severe stomach pain, persistent vomiting, dehydration signs (like dry mouth, no tears, or very little urine), or bloody diarrhea, seek emergency medical care immediately. These symptoms need prompt attention and cannot be managed through telemedicine alone.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down your child's symptoms, including when they occur and what foods may trigger them.
• List all medications and supplements your child is currently taking.
• Test your internet connection and device camera before the visit.
• Find a quiet, comfortable space for the video call with good lighting.
• Have a notepad ready to write down the provider's advice or instructions.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the dietary recommendations provided by your healthcare provider.
• Monitor your child's symptoms and note any changes or new symptoms.
• Schedule any recommended tests or in-person visits if advised.
• Keep a symptom diary to share with your provider during follow-up visits.
• Seek immediate care if red flag symptoms develop after the visit.

FAQs

What foods should my child avoid if they have lactose intolerance?

Your child may need to avoid or limit milk, cheese, ice cream, and other dairy products that contain lactose. Lactose-free dairy or plant-based alternatives like almond or soy milk may be suitable options.

Can lactose intolerance be cured?

Lactose intolerance is usually a long-term condition. It is not typically cured but can be managed well with diet changes and sometimes enzyme supplements.

How is lactose intolerance diagnosed?

Diagnosis often involves discussing symptoms and may include tests such as a lactose tolerance test, hydrogen breath test, or stool acidity test. Your healthcare provider will guide you on which tests are appropriate.

Is lactose intolerance the same as a milk allergy?

No. Lactose intolerance is difficulty digesting lactose, while a milk allergy involves the immune system reacting to milk proteins. Milk allergy can cause more serious allergic reactions and requires different management.

Can my child take lactase enzyme supplements?

Lactase enzyme supplements may help some children digest lactose better and reduce symptoms. Talk to your healthcare provider before starting any supplements.

Sources

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

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms or an emergency, seek immediate medical attention.