If you have an allergy to milk products, eating a lactose-free diet will not help your condition. Lactose intolerance and a dairy allergy are easily confused. When a person is lactose intolerant, his body cannot break down the sugar, lactose, found in cow's milk, according to MayoClinic.com. If an individual has a dairy allergy, her immune system has a hypersensitivity to the proteins found in cow's milk. The two conditions are not related and do not involve the same physical reactions. Talk with a doctor to determine the cause of symptoms that develop after consuming milk.
Lactose Intolerance
Someone who is lactose intolerant does not produce enough lactase, the enzyme used to digest lactose. Everyone has a different degree of lactose intolerance, but only people with obvious symptoms are considered lactose intolerant. Eating a lactose-free diet is the most common way to treat the condition, according to MayoClinic.com. Some patients take a lactase enzyme supplement to assist the body in digesting milk products.
Milk Allergy
A true milk allergy is an overreaction of the immune system in which the body mistakes the protein in dairy as a harmful substance. The immune system attacks the protein in the same way it would attack harmful bacteria. Antibodies are produced to fight off the allergen, resulting in high production of histamine. Histamine is the chemical hormone that causes most allergy-related symptoms. A milk allergy mostly affects young children under the age of three, according to KidsHealth.
Similar Symptoms
The two conditions share common digestive symptoms. Both conditions can cause the stomach to become upset. Vomiting, abdominal pain, cramping, gas, bloating and diarrhea are all common symptoms for someone who is lactose intolerant and the person who has a milk allergy.
Different Symptoms
A patient that is lactose intolerant will primarily experience gastrointestinal complications with no other symptoms, according to MayoClinic.com. A milk allergy will produce a wide array of reactions in various parts of the body. For example, someone with a milk allergy can develop sinus congestion, hives and stomach cramping at the same time. Another common symptom of milk allergy is asthma-like reactions, such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. Get immediate medical attention if you develop signs of anaphylaxis, or severe, life-threatening whole-body allergic reaction, such as a drop in blood pressure, a rapid heart rate or faintness.
Treatment
The most effective treatment for lactose intolerance and milk allergy is the avoidance of dairy products. In mild allergic reactions, an antihistamine may reduce the symptoms.
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