Dairy intolerance and dairy allergy are two different things. Dairy or lactose intolerance is a reaction to the sugars in milk. The body either lacks the enzyme (lactase) to break down lactose or does not produce enough. As a result, the body is unable to digest milk. A dairy or milk allergy is a reaction to the proteins in milk. The body sees the proteins as an invader and the immune system creates antibodies for protection. Lactose intolerance can be painful and frustrating but is rarely, if ever fatal. A dairy allergy, on the other hand, while also painful and frustrating, has the potential to be fatal.
Lactose Intolerance
Because lactose intolerant people cannot digest milk, the milk sits in the intestines where it ferments causing gas, bloating, abdominal pain and nausea. The patient may also get diarrhea as the intestines try to clear the milk from the body. The symptoms usually start 30 minutes to two hours after consumption and range from mild to severe. The severity of the symptoms is directly related to the amount of milk consumed and whether or not the patient has any naturally occurring lactase enzymes.
Milk Allergy
As with any food allergy, an allergic reaction to milk can occur within minutes of ingestion and may last an entire day. Allergic reactions to food also result in skin rashes, itching, redness, swelling and tingling around the mouth. As with lactose intolerance, there are also cramps, diarrhea and nausea. However, there may also be vomiting.
There are also the classic symptoms of allergy like runny or stuffy nose, itchy eyes, sneezing and coughing or wheezing. A milk allergy becomes life-threatening if the patient has a severe reaction, known as anaphylaxis. With anaphylaxis, the tissues of the mouth, throat and airway swell to such a degree that breathing becomes impossible. Additionally, the blood pressure drops, which may cause the patient to pass out and go into shock.
Lactose Intolerance vs Milk Allergy
A lactose intolerant person can still ingest milk. There are several over-the-counter remedies, like lactaid, that provide lactase enzymes. There are also specially treated dairy products, with added enzymes, and many people also have success with yogurt and other fermented milk products.
A person with a milk allergy should not ingest milk, even if his reaction to milk is relatively mild. The reason is that, while his reaction may be mild now, it can become worse over time—leaving him at great risk for anaphylaxis. A person with a milk allergy would to better to consume milk substitutes like soy or rice products.
