Ice cream is made from cow's milk and includes cream, milk and lactose. If you develop stomach pain shortly after eating ice cream, you most likely are lactose intolerant or have a milk allergy. A milk allergy is easier to identify because you will develop other symptoms aside from stomach pain, such as nasal congestion, skin rashes and facial swelling, according to KidsHealth. The two conditions have similar symptoms and need to be evaluated by your physician for a proper diagnosis.
Stomach Pain
Stomach pain is commonly the result of inflammation in the gut that causes excessive bloating and gas. The trapped gas in the intestines can place pressure on the digestive tract and cause pain. Another cause of stomach pain is abdominal cramping. The muscles in the stomach begin to contract because of inflammation and inability to properly digest the dairy. Stomach pain can develop minor or severe symptoms. All symptoms need to be assessed by your doctor.
Allergic Reaction
An allergic reaction to the milk in ice cream is not as common as lactose intolerance. If you have an allergy to dairy products, your immune system fails to recognize the proteins in the milk as safe. The body reacts to the milk proteins with defense by creating antibodies, according to MayoClinic.com. The antibodies cause mast cells to produce histamine. Histamine is a chemical in the body that fights against infection but in large quantities can cause inflammation. After eating ice cream, histamine released in the gut causes stomach pain, cramping and nausea.
Intolerance
Lactose is a sugar commonly found in cow's milk. If you're lactose intolerant, your body doesn't produce enough of the enzymes to break down the sugar. The result of the complex sugar remaining un-digested is vomiting, diarrhea, foul-smelling stools, gas, bloating and stomach pain, according to MedlinePlus. Lactose intolerant symptoms will develop within 20 to 30 minutes after eating ice cream. In severe cases, you may become malnourished or experience excessive weight loss.
Identification
If you develop other symptoms aside from gastrointestinal symptoms, you most likely have a milk allergy. Within a few minutes and up to an hour after eating ice cream you may experience skin rashes, chest tightness, wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, nasal congestion, post-nasal drip and sinus pain, according to KidsHealth.
Warning
A milk allergy may cause a severe allergic reaction, called anaphylactic shock. Anaphylactic shock can lead to death if not treated promptly. Call 911 if you develop lightheadedness, dizziness, a faint but rapid heart rate, hives and facial swelling, according to MayoClinic.com.
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