How Long Do the Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance Last

Lactose Intolerance Symptoms: 48 Hours Later

The symptoms of lactose intolerance may appear within 24 hours after ingestion of milk products. These symptoms are usually mild and go away within a few days. However, if they persist or worsen, it means that your body cannot digest the sugar in milk properly. If these symptoms do not improve within two weeks, then you have probably had enough exposure to milk products and need to avoid them until further notice.

Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance: 48 Hours Later

A small amount of milk may cause some discomfort at first, but will soon pass. You might feel slightly bloated or thirsty after drinking milk, which is normal. Some people even experience cramps when they drink too much milk! Other symptoms include bloating, gas, nausea, and diarrhea.

If you have been eating dairy products regularly for years without any problems, then you most likely don’t suffer from lactose intolerance. However, if you have recently started consuming dairy products (especially cow’s milk), then it is best to consult with your doctor before making any changes in diet.

How Long Do the Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance Last?

If you have developed lactose intolerance, the exact length of time that the symptoms last can vary from person to person. Most people take anywhere from a few hours to a few days to feel better, and most babies with lactose intolerance will grow out of it before their second birthday.

How to Stop Lactose Intolerance Pain

You may be tempted to grab an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine such as Pepto-Bismol or Lactaid Fast Act, but these are not always effective, and there are other options. Most of the time, you will feel some relief if you can simply wait out the duration of your lactose intolerance symptoms, since symptoms usually last no more than 48 hours.

Sources & references used in this article:

Lactose intolerance by TH Vesa, P Marteau, R Korpela – Journal of the American College …, 2000 – Taylor & Francis

Lactose malabsorption and intolerance: pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment by B Misselwitz, D Pohl, H Frühauf… – United European …, 2013 – journals.sagepub.com

Lactose intolerance in irritable bowel syndrome patients with diarrhoea: the roles of anxiety, activation of the innate mucosal immune system and visceral sensitivity by …, Y Cong, H Chu, X Zheng, Y Long… – Alimentary …, 2014 – Wiley Online Library

The interrelationships between lactose intolerance and the modern dairy industry: global perspectives in evolutional and historical backgrounds by N Silanikove, G Leitner, U Merin – Nutrients, 2015 – mdpi.com