Lactose intolerance allergy

What is an allergy?

An allergy occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to a substance that is typically harmless, known as an allergen. When a person with an allergy is exposed to an allergen, their immune system mistakes it for a harmful invader and releases chemicals, such as histamine, to defend the body. This immune response can cause a wide range of symptoms, including sneezing, itching, rashes, swelling, and even severe reactions like anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening.

Common allergy symptoms vary from person to person and can affect different systems of the body:

• Skin: Hives, rashes, and eczema.
• Respiratory: Sneezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing.
• Digestive: Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.
• Systemic: In severe cases, allergies can trigger anaphylaxis, a rapid, life-threatening reaction that affects breathing and blood pressure.

Understanding allergies is essential to managing them effectively, and dairy allergy is one of the most common food allergies.

What is dairy allergy?

Dairy allergy, often referred to as milk allergy, is a specific type of food allergy where the immune system reacts to proteins found in cow’s milk, such as casein and whey. This is different from lactose intolerance, which involves the digestive system rather than the immune system. Dairy allergy can occur in both children and adults, although it is more common in children, many of whom outgrow the allergy by adulthood.

Symptoms of dairy allergy can vary in severity:

• Mild symptoms
  Include hives, eczema, or gastrointestinal discomfort such as vomiting or diarrhea.
• Severe symptoms
  May include swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention.

Diagnosis of dairy allergy typically involves allergy tests such as skin prick tests or blood tests that measure the presence of IgE antibodies, which indicate an allergic response to dairy proteins.

Managing dairy allergy
For those diagnosed with a dairy allergy, complete avoidance of all dairy products is essential. This includes not only obvious sources like milk, cheese, and butter but also hidden sources in processed foods. Reading food labels carefully is crucial to avoid accidental exposure. In case of accidental ingestion, mild symptoms can often be managed with antihistamines, while severe reactions require immediate use of an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) and emergency medical care.

What is lactose intolerance?

Lactose intolerance, in contrast to dairy allergy, is not an immune response but a digestive issue. It occurs when the body does not produce enough lactase, the enzyme needed to break down lactose, the sugar found in milk. Without enough lactase, lactose cannot be properly digested, leading to uncomfortable digestive symptoms.

Symptoms of lactose intolerance typically include:

• Bloating
• Gas
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps

These symptoms usually occur shortly after consuming dairy products

Diagnosing lactose intolerance
Lactose intolerance can be diagnosed through tests such as the hydrogen breath test or lactose tolerance test. These tests measure the body’s ability to digest lactose and identify whether lactase deficiency is the cause of symptoms.

Managing lactose intolerance
Unlike dairy allergy, people with lactose intolerance can still consume dairy products with proper management. Many opt for lactose-free alternatives, where the lactose has already been broken down. Others use lactase supplements, which provide the enzyme needed to digest lactose, allowing them to enjoy dairy with reduced discomfort.*

Differences between dairy allergy and lactose intolerance

While both conditions involve difficulties with dairy, the underlying causes, symptoms, and management strategies differ significantly.

Nature of the condition

• Dairy allergy
  Can affect multiple body systems, causing skin reactions, respiratory issues, and potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis.
• Lactose intolerance
  Primarily affects the digestive system, leading to discomfort such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea.

Symptoms

• Dairy allergy
  Can affect multiple body systems, causing skin reactions, respiratory issues, and potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis.
• Lactose intolerance
  Primarily affects the digestive system, leading to discomfort such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea.

Severity

• Dairy allergy
  It can cause severe, even life-threatening reactions, requiring strict avoidance of dairy and immediate treatment in case of exposure.
• Lactose intolerance
  Generally results in mild to moderate digestive discomfort and is not life-threatening.

Treatment

• Dairy allergy
  Involves complete avoidance of all dairy products, including hidden sources in processed foods. Epinephrine may be required for severe allergic reactions.
• Lactose intolerance
  Can be managed by adjusting the diet to include lactose-free products or taking lactase enzyme supplements to aid in the digestion of lactose.

Living with dairy allergy or lactose intolerance

Both conditions require careful dietary management, but the approaches differ. Those with a dairy allergy must avoid all forms of dairy strictly, whereas individuals with lactose intolerance can often enjoy dairy products by choosing lactose-free options or using lactase supplements to reduce symptoms*. Both groups should be mindful of their nutritional intake, ensuring they get adequate calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients typically found in dairy.

If you suspect a food intolerance but are not yet certain you can contact one of our dietitians for personalized advice. If you’re looking for enzymes to support your situation you can try our supplement advisor below!:

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.