Definition

There are different forms of lactose intolerance:

1. The primary form, where a patient is born with lactose intolerance, occurs only rarely.
2. The secondary form of lactose intolerance is the most frequent type and, when it appears in adults is generally genetic. Lactose intolerance can also occur as a consequence of another illness: the mucous membranes of the intestine are damaged (e.g. due to Coeliac disease or Crohn's disease). When the basic illness is treated, the lactose intolerance improves.

<- back to "Overview"

continue to "Causes and triggers" ->