Lactose intolerance as a result of lactose intolerance
Adults who develop lactose intolerance symptoms suddenly later in life are considered to have acquired lactose intolerance. Hypolactasia is caused by injury to the lactase-producing cells of the small intestine. The inability of damaged cells to secrete sufficient quantities of enzyme results in the classic symptoms of lactose intolerance. On biopsies, anomalous cells of the small intestine and low lactase production are identified. Damage to the cells of the small intestine can be caused by chronic illness, acute injury, disease, infection, surgery, etc.
Low lactase production is significantly associated with celiac disease and Crohn’s disease. In the majority of cases, lactose intolerance is the only symptom of Crohn’s disease, according to research. The cells lining the small intestine can also be damaged by gastroenteritis, gastrinoma, carcinoid syndrome, radiation and chemotherapy, bacterial and parasitic infection, and inflammation, among others. Due to these causes, lactose intolerance is reversible. If the mucosa of the small intestine is severely damaged, it may be temporary or persist. Recovery is contingent on the time required for the intestinal membrane to return to normal. The production of lactase can commence once the damaged cells have been replaced with normal, functioning cells.
