A boy comes with complains of vomiting, bloated abdomen and abdominal pain. He has history of attending ice-cream eating competition last night. He also has past history of similar episodes following ingestion of milk and milk products. The likely cause –
## **Core Concept**
The question describes a clinical scenario suggestive of lactose intolerance, a condition where the body is unable to digest lactose due to a deficiency of the enzyme lactase in the small intestine. Lactose intolerance leads to gastrointestinal symptoms after the consumption of lactose-containing products.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer, **Lactose intolerance**, is the most likely cause of the boy's symptoms. This condition arises from the inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products, due to a deficiency of lactase enzyme in the small intestine. When lactose is not broken down, it remains in the gut and is fermented by bacteria, leading to gas production, bloating, abdominal pain, and vomiting. The history of similar episodes following the ingestion of milk and milk products and the recent consumption of ice cream (a lactose-containing product) during an eating competition strongly supports this diagnosis.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** This option is not provided, but typically, incorrect options might include other causes of gastrointestinal distress such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). These conditions can present with similar symptoms but are not as directly linked to lactose consumption.
- **Option B:** Similarly, without the specific content of Option B, one might consider other enzyme deficiencies or gastrointestinal disorders. However, the key here is the direct temporal relationship with lactose ingestion.
- **Option C:** Again, without specifics, one might think of conditions like fructose malabsorption or other carbohydrate intolerances. However, the history provided points more specifically to lactose intolerance.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A memorable point for students is that lactose intolerance is common in individuals of certain ethnic backgrounds (e.g., African, Asian, or Native American) and can present with a range of gastrointestinal symptoms after lactose ingestion. A simple diagnostic approach includes a lactose tolerance test or a hydrogen breath test, and management involves dietary lactose restriction or lactase enzyme supplementation.
## **Correct Answer:** D. Lactose intolerance