Lactose Intolerance Treatment in India

Vivaan Ali, a 28-year-old software engineer...

Vivaan Ali, a 28-year-old software engineer from a close-knit Indian family, had always enjoyed his mother's cooking, especially dishes rich in dairy like paneer and creamy curries. Over the past year, he began experiencing severe bloating, cramping, and urgent diarrhea about 30 minutes after meals. Initially, he dismissed it as stress from his demanding job, but the pattern became undeniable after family dinners. His primary care doctor suspected lactose intolerance and referred him to a gastroenterologist. The doctor recommended a hydrogen breath test, explaining it was the gold standard for diagnosis. Vivaan found the test straightforward, though drinking the lactose solution caused his familiar, uncomfortable symptoms to flare up. The results confirmed primary lactose intolerance. With a clear diagnosis, Vivaan worked with a dietitian to learn how to manage his diet. He uses lactase enzyme pills when eating out and has discovered delicious lactose-free alternatives. He was initially sad about altering family food traditions, but his mother creatively adapted recipes. Vivaan now feels empowered and symptom-free, relieved to have a simple explanation and solution, and grateful he can still enjoy social meals without fear.