The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines a food allergy as an abnormal immune response to a particular food or foods. It is estimated that 4 to 8 percent of children and 2 percent of adults suffer from food allergies. Lactose allergy, commonly referred to as milk allergy, is reported by the MayoClinic.com as a common food allergy among children.
Symptoms of Lactose Allergy
MayoClinic.com reports the symptoms of lactose allergy may be different for each individual and can take a few minutes to a few hours to manifest. Immediate symptoms may include hives, wheezing and vomiting; symptoms that take some time to develop include loose and possibly bloody stools, diarrhea, abdominal cramping and coughing and wheezing. If it is possible, consult your health care provider during the reaction to allow for a more accurate diagnosis.
Lactose Allergy Vs. Lactose Intollerance
Lactose intolerance can be confused easily with a lactose allergy, but it is important to distinguish the two because their risks and treatment are different. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that lactose intolerance is associated with a body's inability to digest lactase, which is the sugar found in milk. While the discomfort associated with lactose intolerance is real--with symptoms including diarrhea, abdominal cramping, gas and bloating--it does not carry the risk of a milk allergy, which can be life threatening. Consult your health care provider to determine whether you have a lactose intolerance or a lactose allergy.
Foods to Avoid
Strictly avoiding all foods with milk is the only way to eliminate the risk of allergic reactions with a lactose allergy. Many products have hidden sources of milk--including breakfast cereals, hot dog buns, some candies and artificial butter and cheese flavorings. Read all labels and look for lactose, lactate, milk, casein, whey and powdered and evaporated milk. Be cautious when eating out. Ask how your meal has been prepared to make sure no dairy products were used.
Anaphylaxis and Lactose Allergy
Milk allergies rarely cause anaphylaxis, which is a life threatening reaction of the body in response to an allergen that narrows the lung's airways and blocks breathing. The MayoClinic.com suggests you report any reaction to milk to your health care provider no matter how mild the reaction seemed. Anaphylactic reactions are medical emergencies and require medical intervention. Seek emergency medical services if you are concerned that you are experiencing an anaphylactic reaction to milk.
Calcium and Lactose Allergy
Calcium is vital to the health of our bones and teeth, muscles, blood vessels, hormones, enzymes and nervous system. While avoiding milk and dairy products to prevent an allergic reaction, be sure to also add in non-dairy sources of calcium to get your recommended daily allowances. The Harvard School of Public Health suggests dark leafy vegetables, dried beans and calcium supplements as alternative calcium sources.
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