Category FAQs Search : Lactose Intolerance
Question: Can you suddenly become lactose intolerant if you weren’t before?
Answer: You can develop secondary lactose intolerance suddenly as a result of damage to your small intestine. Injury, surgery, infections or chronic diseases may damage the cells that produce lactase. This can cause sudden lactose malabsorption and intolerance, even if you could previously digest lactose.
Secondary causes of lactose intolerance include:
1. Radiation therapy.
2. Small bowel resection.
3. Cystic fibrosis.
4. Inflammatory bowel disease.
5. Celiac disease.
6. Enterocolitis.
Secondary lactose intolerance may not be permanent. If your small intestine recovers its usual function, you may regain the ability to digest lactose.
(Source: Cleveland Clinic, 31 Jan 2026)
Source Link: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7317-lactose-intolerance