should not be confused with an
allergic reaction to milk. Milk
allergies, a reaction to milk pro-
teins, occur in children and
adults. The symptoms are often
the same as for lactose intoler-
ance.
Children who suffer from al-
lergic or other unusual reactions
to milk may complain of stom-
ach pain and swelling. Most in-
fants with food allergies
outgrow these conditions, espe-
cially if the allergic reaction be-
gan during infancy. For
example, most cases of cows'
milk allergy don't last very long,
sometimes only a few weeks.
Presumably this is due to bet-
ter protein digestion.
There are tests that can def-
initely determine if you have
lactose intolerance. One is a
breath hydrogen test that mea-
sures fermentation of lactose in
the colon. Another test monitors
serum glucose levels, another
measure of lactose intolerance.
Sandra Isser of West Bloom-
field diagnosed herself as being
lactose intolerant. She has
learned how to manage her diet
to avoid any of the symptoms
associated with the condition.
"I used to eat a dish of ice
cream and be so uncomfortable
with indigestion and heart-
burn," says Ms. Isser. "Now the
only milk product I use is in my
cereal and that's Lactaid Milk.
My husband also suffers from
this problem so we're very care-
fill at home about what we eat."
Managing lactose intolerance
varies according to how much
lactase a person makes and how
much lactose is consumed at
one time. There is a simple,
standard test to determine de-
gree of lactose intolerance: Fol-
lowing an overnight fast, about
25 percent of lactose-intolerant
people develop symptoms after
drinking one glass of milk, 50
percent after two glasses, and
75 percent after drinking a
quart (much more than most
people will consume in one sit-
ting).
Some people find that just be-
ing cautious, consuming small
amounts of milk products at dif-
ferent times of the day and eat-
ing something else along with
the dairy products, is enough to
eliminate symptoms. Indeed, as
the above standard test showed,
most lactose-intolerant people
can drink one glass of milk per
meal with little or no discom-
fort.
Some people find they can
tolerate certain dairy products
better than others, including
hard cheeses such as Swiss or
cheddar that contain little lac-
tose.
Fermented milk products
such as yogurt with active cul-
tures usually cause few prob-
lems since most yogurt is low in
lactose anyway and the live cul-
MYTH page 20
Looking for
the right doctor
shouldrftgive you
a headache.
Our Primary Care Physicians give you personal
care that considers your individual needs.
Botsford Primary Care Physicians are board-certified and trained in a wide range of
disciplines. Our Primary Care Physicians examine you as a whole person and refer you
to the proper specialist when needed. In addition, our physicians have access to a
comprehensive array of health care services.
Take an active role in maintaining your health and your family's health by seeing
a Botsford Primary Care Physician regularly for check-ups and other preventive
measures. Many silent illnesses such as heart disease, high cholesterol and
hypertension can be better controlled with early diagnosis.
The best time to find a doctor that fits your needs is when you're not ill. This way
when you or someone in your family needs a doctor, you won't get a headache trying
to find one that's right for you.
For information on Botsford Primary Care Physicians in your neighborhood,
call (313) 442-7900.
TM
p4
Botsford Primary Care Physicians
Affiliated with Botsford General Hospital
Reaching out to the people of our community.
l to
Botsiord General Hospital