lactase deficiency
Definition
Noun: - A medical condition characterized by the body's inability to properly digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. This occurs due to the absence or insufficient levels of the enzyme lactase, which is needed to break down lactose into simpler sugars for absorption.
Usage
- Lactase deficiency is the primary cause of lactose intolerance.
- The symptoms of lactase deficiency include bloating, gas, and diarrhea after consuming dairy.
- A doctor can confirm a diagnosis of lactase deficiency through specific tests.
Advanced Usage
- Primary lactase deficiency: The most common type, where lactase production declines after childhood.
- Secondary lactase deficiency: A temporary deficiency caused by an injury to the small intestine, often due to an illness like gastroenteritis.
- Congenital lactase deficiency: A very rare, inherited form where an infant is born with little or no lactase activity.
Variants and Related Words
- Lactose intolerance (n): The clinical syndrome of symptoms resulting from lactase deficiency.
- Lactase (n): The enzyme that is deficient.
- Hypolactasia (n): The medical term for a deficiency of lactase.
Synonyms
- Lactose malabsorption
- Alactasia (rare, clinical term)
Related Phrases
- To have a lactase deficiency: To be affected by this condition.
- Many adults have a lactase deficiency without realizing it.
- Due to lactase deficiency: Used to explain the cause of symptoms.
- The discomfort was due to her lactase deficiency.
Noun
-
congenital disorder consisting of an inability to digest milk and milk products; absence or deficiency of lactase results in an inability to hydrolyze lactose
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