Lactose Intolerance Center - Council Bluffs, IA
Council Bluffs Gastroenterologist Doctors for Lactose IntoleranceType of Physician: Gastroenterologist What is a Gastroenterologist? A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; practitioners focus on the stomach, intestines, colon, liver, and gallbladder (digestive organs). The gastroenterologist treats conditions such as abdominal pain, ulcers, diarrhea, cancer, and jaundice and they consult with surgeons when abdominal operations are indicated. Specialty: Gastroenterology Common Name: GI Doctor Gastroenterologist Doctors in Council Bluffs * Gastroenterology Consultants  Gary D Volentine MD  Michael V Persaud MD  James L Hartje MD  K L Preston DO  J W Roat MD Council Bluffs, IowaUpcoming Local Events2012-06-02
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Lactose IntoleranceRead the Lactose Intolerance article » What is lactose intolerance?Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest and absorb lactose (the sugar in milk) that results in gastrointestinal symptoms when milk or food products containing milk are consumed. What causes lactose intolerance?Lactose is a large sugar molecule that is made up of two smaller sugars, glucose and galactose. In order for lactose to be absorbed from the intestine and into the body, it must first be split into glucose and galactose. The glucose and galactose are then absorbed by the cells lining the small intestine. The enzyme that splits lactose into glucose and galactose is called lactase, and it is located on the surface of the cells lining the small intestine. Lactose intolerance is caused by reduced or absent activity of lactase that prevents the splitting of lactose (lactase deficiency). Lactase deficiency may occur for one of three reasons, congenital, secondary or developmental. Congenital causes of lactose intolerance Lactase deficiency may occur because of a congenital absence (absent from birth) of lactase due to a mutation in the gene that is responsible for producing lactase. This is a very rare cause of lactase deficiency, and the symptoms of this type of lactase deficiency begin shortly after birth. Secondary causes of lactose intolerance Another cause of lactase deficiency is secondary lactase deficiency. This type of deficiency is due to diseases that destroy the lining of the small intestine along with the lactase. An example of such a disease is celiac sprue. Developmental causes of lactose intolerance The most common cause of lactase deficiency is a decrease in the amount of lactase that occurs after childhood and persists into adulthood, referred to as adult-type hypolactasia. This decrease in lactase is genetically programmed, and the prevalence of this type of lactase deficienc... Recommended Reading Related to Lactose IntoleranceDiarrhea facts
Other Related Lactose Intolerance ArticlesEmergency Contact for Council Bluffs
Nearby Council Bluffs Hospitals *Alegent Health Mercy Hospital Council Bluffs Jennie Edmundson Hospital Boys Town National Research Hospital Creighton University Medical Center Douglas County Healthcare Center The Nebraska Medical Center Clarkson Tower  The Nebraska Medical Center University Tower  VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System Omaha Division  Alegent Health Bergan Mercy Medical Center  Children's Hospital  Nebraska Methodist Hospital  Alegent Health Immanuel Medical Center  Alegent Health Midlands Community Hospital  Select Specialty Hospital Omaha South  Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital  Alegent Health Lakeside Hospital  Alegent Health Community Memorial Hospital  Memorial Community Hospital Featured Articles*Provider Directory Terms of Use: The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval. |
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