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Milk Allergy or Lactose Intolerance?
Allergy and intolerance are terms often used interchangeably, yet they describe two very different conditions. A person suffering from lactose intolerance does not have a milk or dairy allergy, and does not have to suffer a lifelong avoidance of all dairy products and those foods containing dairy.
DAIRY ALLERGY
A milk or dairy allergy is, as the name suggests, an allergy. Food allergies occur when the body's immune system, which normally fights infection, overreacts to particular proteins in food. A milk allergy is usually caused by an abnormal response to the alpha S1-casein protein found in cow’s milk. When these proteins are ingested, the immune system treats them as foreign invaders causing an allergic reaction releasing the chemical histamine. This brings about the onset of symptoms that can occur within minutes or hours. Symptoms include respiratory, gastrointestinal or dermatological reactions such as coughing, throat tightness, trouble breathing, itchy and watery eyes, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, vomiting, stomach pain, skin rash and hives. More severe conditions such as anaphylaxis can also occur and are potentially fatal if not treated immediately.
There is no single test to diagnose a milk allergy. If a milk allergy is suspected blood tests, stool analysis and a skin prick test may be performed. An oral challenge may also be used to assess symptom development. Diagnosis of a milk allergy requires avoidance of milk and products containing milk for some time or for life. It is important to meet with a Dietitian who can educate you about a dairy free diet. Many pre-packaged and convenience products contain milk proteins of various names, and may not be obvious just by reading the ingredients list. Avoiding dairy foods altogether could mean a low calcium intake. A dietitian can help to ensure the diet includes other good sources of calcium.
Milk Allergy is the most common type of allergy in children. Most children outgrow it by the age of 3. In the case of infant milk allergy, the mother will be advised to remove dairy from her diet if breastfeeding. If the infant is on formula, a soy formula may be used. Some infants also react to soy formula, in which case a hypoallergenic formula will be used which contains cow’s milk proteins that have been broken down into smaller particles that are much less allergenic than the protein as a whole.
LACTOSE INTOLERANCE
Lactose intolerance is a totally different condition to a milk allergy. It is in fact a food sensitivity and not an allergy. It occurs when the production of lactase enzyme, responsible for the digestion of the milk sugar lactose, is inadequate or nonexistent. This results in a number of symptoms occurring each time lactose is consumed. Symptoms include flatulence, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, and may occur within one to twelve hours of eating dairy products. Lactose intolerance is inconvenient, but not life threatening. Total avoidance of the milk sugar lactose will prevent symptoms occurring. Lactose free dairy products are widely available. There are also over the counter supplements that contain the lactase enzyme and help to digest the lactose in a particular meal (eg Lacteze). Each individual with lactose intolerance is different, and may be able to tolerate a particular amount of lactose before symptoms occurrences. Working with a dietitian and undertaking lactose challenges will help to ascertain your particular tolerance level and allow you to incorporate lactose containing products in your diet if possible.
Added to site on : Monday, 30 July 2012