What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Lactose Intolerance

Audience: adult

After a telemedicine visit for lactose intolerance, you will usually receive guidance on managing your symptoms and dietary changes. Lactose intolerance means your body has trouble digesting lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. During the visit, your healthcare provider may review your symptoms and suggest ways to reduce discomfort. This often includes avoiding or limiting lactose-containing foods, trying lactose-free alternatives, or using enzyme supplements. You might also get advice on how to maintain a balanced diet while avoiding lactose. Follow-up appointments may be recommended if symptoms continue or worsen. Remember, telemedicine can help with education and management but cannot replace in-person exams if serious issues arise.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe abdominal pain lasting more than a few hours — seek immediate in-person care.
• Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down — go to emergency services.
• Blood in stool or black, tarry stools — urgent medical evaluation needed.

What telemedicine can do

• Providing education about lactose intolerance symptoms and management.
• Reviewing your symptom history and dietary habits.
• Recommending dietary changes and use of lactase supplements.
• Monitoring symptom progress and advising on follow-up care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations or diagnostic tests.
• Managing severe or emergency symptoms.
• Prescribing certain medications requiring in-person assessment.
• Diagnosing other conditions that may mimic lactose intolerance.

Understanding Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance occurs when your body does not produce enough lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose found in dairy products. This can cause symptoms like bloating, gas, diarrhea, and stomach cramps after eating or drinking dairy. It is a common condition and can often be managed with diet changes.

What to Expect After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your telemedicine visit, your healthcare provider will usually give you advice tailored to your symptoms. This may include:

You may be advised to schedule follow-up visits if symptoms persist or worsen.

Dietary Tips and Symptom Management

Managing lactose intolerance often involves:

Always discuss any supplements or major diet changes with your healthcare provider.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If you experience severe symptoms such as intense abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, dehydration, or blood in your stool, you should seek in-person medical care promptly. Telemedicine cannot replace physical exams or urgent treatments in these cases.

Follow-Up and Monitoring

Keep track of your symptoms and diet, and share this information during follow-up visits. Your provider may recommend tests to confirm lactose intolerance or rule out other conditions if symptoms do not improve. Regular monitoring helps adjust your management plan effectively.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List your symptoms and how long you have had them.
• Note any foods or drinks that seem to trigger symptoms.
• Prepare a list of current medications and supplements.
• Have a list of questions or concerns ready to discuss.
• Ensure a stable internet connection and a quiet, private space for the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the dietary and supplement advice given by your provider.
• Keep a food and symptom diary to track what affects you.
• Schedule follow-up telemedicine or in-person visits as recommended.
• Seek immediate care if you experience any red-flag symptoms.
• Maintain communication with your healthcare provider about any changes.

FAQs

Can lactose intolerance be cured?

Lactose intolerance is usually a lifelong condition because the body produces less lactase enzyme over time. However, symptoms can often be managed effectively with diet changes and enzyme supplements.

Is lactose intolerance the same as a milk allergy?

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

Can I still eat some dairy if I am lactose intolerant?

Many people with lactose intolerance can tolerate small amounts of dairy, especially fermented products like yogurt. Using lactase enzyme supplements can also help digest lactose when consuming dairy.

Do I need tests to confirm lactose intolerance?

Tests like the lactose hydrogen breath test or elimination diets can help confirm lactose intolerance. Your provider will decide if testing is needed based on your symptoms and history.

Are there any risks if I avoid all dairy products?

Avoiding dairy can lead to lower calcium and vitamin D intake, which are important for bone health. It's important to include other calcium-rich foods or supplements in your diet.

Sources

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

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you experience severe symptoms or emergencies, seek immediate medical attention.