Page 115 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

COMMON CONDITIONS: CHEST AND ABDOMINAL PROBLEMS 113

Food intolerance

If you have symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea,
WARNING
or nausea each time you eat a certain food, you may be “intolerant,”
or unable to digest it properly. The most likely triggers are dairy Seek immediate medical help if:
products and cereals (such as wheat). Food intolerance is distinct ● You develop breathing difficulties,
swelling of your lips and tongue,
from food allergy, which is less common but in some people can
and a rash within a few minutes
cause a life-threatening reaction called anaphylactic shock. of eating a suspect food
See also Bloating and flatulence, p.108; Diarrhea, p.116;
Anaphylactic shock, p.159.

See your doctor first
PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE
Make an appointment to see your doctor if:
● You think you may be intolerant to wheat, rye, Elimination diet If you think you may have
a food intolerance, take these steps to find the trigger.
barley, and possibly oats (gluten intolerance,
also called celiac disease) or of milk and ● Keep a diary for 2–3 weeks, noting what you eat
other dairy products (lactose intolerance) and drink and how much, and when symptoms occur.
● You have symptoms such as weight loss (Symptoms can develop from a few hours to a few
days after exposure to a trigger substance.)
● Exclude a suspect substance from your diet for a
week or two. If symptoms return when you reintroduce
What you can do yourself the item, you may be intolerant of it.
● If you find a specific trigger, avoid it. However, if you
The following advice will help you identify and think you are affected by a whole group of foods, such
treat mild food intolerance; use it alongside any as dairy or wheat products, see your doctor first.
advice from your doctor.
● Try to identify the food causing your symptoms
(see PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE, right).
DRUG REMEDIES
● If your doctor has diagnosed lactose intolerance,
avoid dairy products. Try soy milk or other milk Lactase supplements (see p.185),
substitutes, which are now available in many usually available in tablet form, help break down
supermarkets. Check for hidden lactose in foods lactose in dairy foods. They are useful if you are
such as cookies. You may also wish to try a lactase lactose intolerant and find it difficult to limit your
supplement (see DRUG REMEDIES, right). milk intake, or if you develop symptoms after having
even small amounts of dairy products. Take the
● If you are diagnosed as having gluten supplement just before you consume dairy products.
intolerance (celiac disease), cut cereals, bread,
pasta, cakes, and cookies out of your diet. Check
for hidden gluten in processed foods such as ice
cream and canned soup; candies; and medicines. Seek further medical advice
Many supermarkets and health food shops sell
gluten-free pastas, breads, and other foods. Arrange to see your doctor if:
● Check labels on food packaging for the food or ● Your symptoms don’t improve after using
additive to which you’re intolerant. This may not the measures described above
always be obvious: for example, “casein” is milk ● You develop any new symptoms, such as
protein, and “albumin” is egg white. weight loss