Which condition is associated with difficulty in digesting lactose?

The condition associated with difficulty digesting lactose is lactose intolerance. This occurs when there is a deficiency in lactase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose, which is a sugar found in milk and dairy products. When lactase levels are low, lactose cannot be effectively digested, leading to symptoms such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea after consuming dairy.

Lactose intolerance is particularly common in certain populations and can develop at any age due to a decrease in lactase production. Unlike other gastrointestinal disorders, lactose intolerance specifically pertains to the body’s inability to process lactose, making it distinct from conditions such as hepatitis, stomach ulcers, or celiac disease, which involve different mechanisms and symptoms related to digestion and absorption.