Question
My child has been experiencing irregular bowel movements for several months, which may be caused by formula milk. Sometimes, the stools are soft or loose. Is this a normal phenomenon? Do I suspect lactose intolerance or milk protein allergy?
Answer
Based on your description, considering the possibility of lactose intolerance in your child, it is recommended to switch to a hypoallergenic formula. It is suggested to seek further medical advice from the allergy department of a regular children’s hospital, wishing you a speedy recovery! If your child is suspected of having lactose intolerance, an lactose tolerance test should be conducted. This test requires urine testing and should be performed approximately half an hour to an hour after drinking milk. As for milk protein allergy, it is recommended to consult dermatology or allergy departments. Currently, options for confirmation include skin prick tests or blood tests.