Temporary Lactose Intolerence??

[Mimixx]

Hi, I have posted this message on Breast and Bottle Feed board but I think I might have a better chance here. My boy (8 months old) has had gastro enteritis - vomiting and diarrhoea recently. He vomited only once (but it was a spectacular projectile vomit) and has had mild diarrhoea ever since (now 8 days). Have been to GP and gastro enteritis was confirmed, but I have just red that some babies develop temporary lactose intolerence following gastro enteritis. What made me look it up is that he always has a massive fart and runny poo just after his feed. I stoped BF about 1 month ago, and he is now on Aptamil. Anyone else had this problem? How did you solve it? How was it diagnosed? (My GP didn't suggest it, and I have another appointment on Monday to discuss it) I am worried because DS is losing weight, and refusing all solids at the mo. Please help!! Thanks, Mimixx

[CADS]

Yes, it can happen after a tummy bug, use of antibiotics etc.

Have a look at this link:

temporary lactose intolerance

I have found that doctors aren't very clued up on intolerances so they don't tend to get diagnosed properly.

The only thing to do is to try some lactose free formula and see if his symptoms improve. There are a few brands that you can get over the counter. SMA do one, which you can get in most supermarkets and chemists. Also, there are soya formulas available too but there is a lot of debate on whether they should be used and definitely not if there is a history of soya allergy or intolerance in the family.

Also, it might be worth get some probiotics. Solgar does a good one for infants and children.

HTH

[poppypoppy]

I stopped BF fairly early but the same happened with my DD when she first went on to Aptamil formula, it lasted about 3 weeks then she was fine. The hospital said they thought it was just her digestive system getting used to thicker milk. We had to give her dyralite (sp?) to replace her lost fluids etc. My GP was reluctant to suggest a lactose free milk unless it went on for a v long time.

[Mimixx]

Thanks for the replies. DS has been on aptimil for about 2 months (mix feeding) and now no BF at all. I have spoken to health visitor and she suggested no milk at all for 24 hours, only hydrating sahcets, but I'm really not sure anout that. I think she's in the potatoes. Surely I can't stop milk and solids for a full day, he's going to starve poor little boy!!! I have bought SMA factose free and gave it to him for his last two feeds and no liquid poo in sight. I think that we'll have to see how it goes in the next couple of days, but I have received very conflicting advise from HV and GP, and NHS direct told me something completely different. Anyway, I have bought the probiotics (that's expensive!!) and hopefully he'll be better soon. Thanks!!!

[Mimixx]

I can't type now it's Lactose Free, not Factose Free.

[bluejelly]

I think a bit mad to restrict all nutrition for 24 hours.
Could never have done that wtih my dd.

[poppypoppy]

My Baby Health book also said to stop all milk for 24 hours, just give plain rice and pear (apparently pear is the only fruit you should give), then reintroduce the milk very slowly. These gastric bugs can go on for a while unfortunately. You have my full sympathy as I could never bring myself to starve my child either. Hope your son gets well soon x

[tab]

sorry this is a very late response but I took by ds2 off of aptamil because it was causing very runny poo. His nursery said that other babies had had similar reactions. I changed him over to another formula/follow on milk after breastfeeding and the prob stopped immediately.