Lactose and casein are both components found in milk but have two different functions. Lactose is a sugar and casein is a protein. Both are exclusively found in dairy products or products that contain dairy ingredients. Lactose is the main cause of lactose intolerance and casein can cause an allergic reaction to milk. These conditions can be easily confused because they trigger symptoms that are similar to one another. Lactose intolerance is very uncommon in young children, while a milk allergy is considered common among kids.
Lactose
Lactose is a sugar found in almost all type of milk, including breast milk, goat's milk and cow's milk. Adverse reactions in the digestive system can occur if your intestines do not produce lactase. Lactase is the required enzyme to break the lactose down. If this doesn't occur, the lactose will not be absorbed into the body and will travel through the digestive system and into the colon. The colon contains a lot of bacteria that will attempt to break down the lactose. When this happens, the result is gas, bloating, cramping and diarrhea.
Casein
Casein is one of the two most common proteins that cause a milk allergy. If you're allergic to casein, you will develop adverse reactions within a few minutes of drinking milk. Your immune system will overreact to the protein and attempt to fight it off. When this occurs, the body reacts by producing various chemicals that cause milk allergy symptoms. Common symptoms include digestive difficulty, hives, eczema, skin itching, sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, postnasal drip, coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing.
Difference
The conditions are different because of their primary cause. Lactose intolerance is the result of the digestive system not creating enough lactose. A milk allergy is caused by a malfunction in the immune system that can affect the digestive system. Lactose intolerance causes uncomfortable symptoms to develop but doesn't have any permanent damage or complications. A milk allergy can cause life-threatening symptoms that need to be evaluated by your doctor. People with an allergy to casein should not consume dairy or any product made with dairy.
Treatment
The most effective way to treat lactose intolerance is by using a lactase supplement. Taking this supplement directly before your first bite of dairy will provide your digestive system with the needed lactase that it's lacking. If you continue to develop symptoms even with taking lactase, you should eliminate dairy and consult a doctor. Milk allergies are treated by avoidance.
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