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Lactose Intolerance Center - Twin Falls, ID

Twin Falls Gastroenterologist Doctors for Lactose Intolerance

Type 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 Twin Falls *

St Lukes Clinic Gastroenterology
Ted L Rea
141 Morrison St
Gastroenterology
Twin Falls, ID 83301
(208) 732-3030

St Lukes Clinic Gastroenterology
Kent L Smith
141 Morrison St
Gastroenterology
Twin Falls, ID 83301
(208) 732-3030

St Lukes Clinic Gastroenterology
Robert M Ward
141 Morrison St
Gastroenterology
Twin Falls, ID 83301
(208) 732-3030

St Lukes Clinic Gastroenterology
Seth N Wheeler
141 Morrison St
Gastroenterology
Twin Falls, ID 83301
(208) 732-3030

Twin Falls, Idaho

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Lactose Intolerance

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 Intolerance

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Diarrhea facts

  • Diarrhea is an increase in the frequency of bowel movements, an increase in the looseness of stool or both.
  • Diarrhea is caused by increased secretion of fluid into the intestine, reduced absorption of fluid from the intestine or rapid passage of stool through the intestine.
  • Diarrhea can be defined absolutely or relatively. Absolute diarrhea is defined as more than five bowel movements a day or liquid stools. Relative diarrhea is defined as an increase in the number of bowel movements per day or an increase in the looseness of stools compared with an individual's usual bowel habit.
  • Diarrhea may be either acute or chronic, and each has different causes and treatments.
  • Complications of diarrhea include dehydration, electrolytes (mineral) abnormalities, and irritation of the anus.
  • Dehydration can be treated with oral ...

Emergency Contact for Twin Falls

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Twin Falls Hospitals *

Canyon View Psychiatric & Addiction Services
228 Shoup Ave W
Twin Falls, ID 83301
(208)734-6760

Magic Valley Regional Medical Center
650 Addison Ave W
Twin Falls, ID 83301
(208)737-2000

St Benedicts Family Medical Center
709 N Lincoln Ave
Jerome, ID 83338
(208)324-4301

Gooding County Memorial Hospital
1120 Montana St
Gooding, ID 83330
(208)934-4433

Cassia Regional Medical Center
1501 Hiland Ave
Burley, ID 83318
(208)678-4444

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