A 6-month-old infant is found to have mild diarrhea accompanied by cramping at the lower abdomen after being breast fed. Based on these findings, what is the most likely cause?

Explanation

•Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose due to a deficiency in lactase. Secondary lactose intolerance can be caused by injury to the small intestiine while primary lactose intolerance is genetic and cannot be treated.

•Some children become lactose intolerant after diarrhea and will need a lactose free formula for rehydration before being returned to the usual formula or breast milk.

•The symptoms described are not associated with kwashiorkor, celiac disease, or irritable bowel syndrome.

•Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder caused by the wheat protein gluten.

•Irritable bowel syndrome is a set of GI symptoms from an unknown cause, unrelated to breast milk.