Milk Allergy or Intolerance
The Difference Between a Milk Allergy and Lactose Intolerance
A milk allergy and lactose intolerance are very different. While they are often confused, they have relatively little in common.
Milk allergy
It is estimated that one to seven percent of children have an allergy or sensitivity to milk.
A milk allergy refers to an immune system response to the protein in milk. Most people are allergic to either whey or casein and some are allergic to both. Symptoms can be hives, difficulty breathing and life threating anaphylactic shock. Most children with milk allergies will eventually grow out of them. While it is rare to have a full blown allergy to milk protein, many more can have a sensitivity. A sensitivity to milk protein can result in one or more of these symptoms: rash, gastric distress, and mild swelling in the face. Continued consumption of milk products can result in chronic lung problems, sinus problems, and poor absorption of nutrients. This can lead to other problems such as vitamin deficiencies and wasting. Some believe milk protein sensitivity can contribute diseases like hyperactivity and autism. The only treatment for a milk protein allergy or sensitivity is avoidance.
Lactose intolerance
Most people are partially or completely lactose intolerant.
Lactose is a sugar in milk. Most people only have a limited supply of lactase, an enzyme in the digestive tract that breaks down lactose and as we age we produce less and less lactase. When there is not enough lactase to digest the lactose (sugar) bloating, diarrhea, and gas can result form the undigested lactose fermenting in the stomach. While this is very uncomfortable it is not life threating. While some chose to avoid milk products, others take lactace orally as a supplement when eating milk products.
It is important to know the difference. It is a good idea to talk with your doctor about tests if you suspect you are in any way sensitive to milk products because the results can be very serious if it is undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
