Up at 3am... again.

  For several years, I've been experiencing painful stomach gas in the early morning hours.  When experiencing early-morning stomach gas, it's not uncommon to be awaken from a dead-sleep by sharp, shooting gas-related pain from my solar-plexis to my chin.
  I've noticed that these episodes occur most frequently when I've consumed some sort of dairy within 2 hours of laying down for bed.  The painful gas-related symptoms (including nasal drip and a "frothy", non-acedic reflux) last about 2 hours (typically 3am to 5am) then I can return to sleep.
  The only treatment I've found effective is oral antihistamine and any antacid with simethicone.  Still I'm held hostage for 2 hours before permitted to return to sleep.
  Is this some form of Lactose intollerence?  Should I keep a stash of Lactaid on hand?  Is there a diet-altering alternative that won't require OTC pharmaceuticals?
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Dear Bernie,
lactose intolerance can cause abdominal pain, bloating, gas and diarrhea.  Symptoms typically occur several hours after ingesting foods containing lactose.  If possible you should treat your milk with Lactaid before using it.  The enzyme in Lactaid breaks down the lactose so that there are no symptoms after drinking milk.
In textbooks peptic ulcers are typically described as causing abdominal pain at 2-3 AM.  Although you have the correct time, I do not think that your symptoms are a manifestation of ulcers.
This information is presented for educational purposes.  Always ask specific questions to your personal physician,.
HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: lactose intolerance
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