I hear from a lot of people that they have a child or know someone who is allergic to milk because they are "lactose intolerant". Just like the previous post on Celiac/wheat allergy, here, again, there is a big difference. It is understandable how someone would view lactose intolerance as an allergy. It should not, however, be referred to as a true allergy.
The difference is similar to celiac disease versus a true wheat allergy. A person who is lactose intolerant cannot properly digest a sugar that is found in milk. The problem with the digestion takes place, again, in the digestive tract - the intestines. A person who is lactose intolerant and ingests milk may experience symptoms such as diarrhea, gas, and/or bloating.
A true milk protein allergy is an IgE-mediated reaction (immune system reaction) where the body may release histamine. The histamine is responsible for producing symtoms including itching, wheezing, swelling, difficulty breathing, etc. Some people may even experience anaphylaxis after ingesting milk and may have to carry an epinephrine auto-injector.
An allergist can test for milk protein allergy either through blood or skin testing. See an allergist or other physician if you or someone you know thinks they are allergic to milk.
Milk protein allergy tends to be more common in childhood. If you think your child needs to see an allergist, try to find a pediatric allergist in your area. Pediatricians may also order blood work for allergies if they choose to do so. Despite what some people have been told and may tell you, children can be tested for allergies as babies/young children. I have skin tested a 3 month old!! Now, keep in mind, each person is different and the physician will have to decide what type of testing, if any, is best!
The difference is similar to celiac disease versus a true wheat allergy. A person who is lactose intolerant cannot properly digest a sugar that is found in milk. The problem with the digestion takes place, again, in the digestive tract - the intestines. A person who is lactose intolerant and ingests milk may experience symptoms such as diarrhea, gas, and/or bloating.
A true milk protein allergy is an IgE-mediated reaction (immune system reaction) where the body may release histamine. The histamine is responsible for producing symtoms including itching, wheezing, swelling, difficulty breathing, etc. Some people may even experience anaphylaxis after ingesting milk and may have to carry an epinephrine auto-injector.
An allergist can test for milk protein allergy either through blood or skin testing. See an allergist or other physician if you or someone you know thinks they are allergic to milk.
Milk protein allergy tends to be more common in childhood. If you think your child needs to see an allergist, try to find a pediatric allergist in your area. Pediatricians may also order blood work for allergies if they choose to do so. Despite what some people have been told and may tell you, children can be tested for allergies as babies/young children. I have skin tested a 3 month old!! Now, keep in mind, each person is different and the physician will have to decide what type of testing, if any, is best!
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