A patient diagnosed with lactose intolerance is anxious about accidentally consuming lactose and triggering symptoms. What advice would you give?
It's understandable for a patient to worry about inadvertently consuming lactose. However, lactose intolerance is not a life-threatening condition, and consuming small amounts of lactose might still be tolerable. Reading food labels and understanding where lactose might be hidden (e.g., in baked goods, processed foods, salad dressings) can help avoid it. Carrying lactase enzyme supplements can help manage occasional inadvertent lactose consumption. It's important to reassure the patient that while symptoms can be uncomfortable, they're temporary and don't cause long-term harm.