One of the most commonly confused food conditions is between a dairy and lactose intolerance. The two conditions are caused by the consumption of dairy products that leads to similar symptoms. MayoClinic.com states that most people who think they're allergic to milk actually have an intolerance. Lactose intolerance is a common condition while a dairy allergy only affects about 4 percent of the American adult population. Only your doctor can provide you with a proper diagnosis and treatment options.
Dairy Allergy
A dairy allergy is caused by a malfunction of the immune system to one or more of the proteins found in cow's milk. Cow's milk contains whey and casein proteins that can trigger an allergic reaction in the body when consumed. When the dairy proteins enter the body, the immune system doesn't recognize them as safe and harmless and begins to defend the body through various chemicals. Immunoglobulin E, or IgE, antibodies are created to fight off the milk proteins, which releases histamine in soft tissue throughout the body, according to Kids Health. The release of histamine causes most allergy symptoms.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is a digestive complication that is unrelated to the immune system, according to MayoCinic.com. Your body creates specific enzymes to help digest certain sugars and proteins in foods and beverages. If you don't create enough of the enzyme needed to digest lactose, you can experience various gastric symptoms. MedlinePlus states that lactose is a complex sugar that is found in dairy products that requires the enzyme lactase to break it down into simpler sugars. When your body fails to perform this action, the intestines become irritated and inflamed, and attempt to rid the body of the sugar.
Common Symptoms
The reason a dairy allergy and lactose intolerance are commonly confused is because both conditions can lead to digestive complications shortly after ingesting cow's milk. Although a milk allergy will typically cause symptoms quicker than lactose intolerance, some people may not recognize the difference. Common symptoms include nausea, stomach pain, cramping, vomiting, diarrhea, gas and bloating.
Distinctive Symptoms
One of the most obvious distinctions between a milk allergy and lactose intolerance is the type of symptoms that form aside from gastrointestinal ones. All lactose intolerance symptoms are related to the digestive tract, while milk allergy symptoms can also cause asthma, skin rashes and nasal complications, according to Kids Health. A milk allergy can also lead to anaphylactic shock, a rare but deadly condition. Common symptoms of anaphylaxis include lightheadedness, shortness of breath, the inability to breath and facial swelling. If you develop these symptoms, call 911.
