What distinguishes lactose intolerance from a milk allergy? This is what we will present to you in the following article, all you have to do is continue reading.
Contrary to popular belief, lactose intolerance and milk allergies are not the same. Although the terms sound similar, they are actually two different digestive problems, one more severe than the other.
Do you want to know the difference between milk allergy and lactose intolerance? The following information will give you more specifics on this subject:
The difference between milk allergy and lactose intolerance
We describe the distinction between milk allergy and lactose intolerance in the paragraph that follows:
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spreads
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Milk allergy
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lactose intolerance
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the definition
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A true food allergy that occurs as a result of an allergic reaction to a protein in milk. Milk allergy often refers to an allergy to cow's milk only. However, some people may have an allergy to other types. It is more common in children and infants.
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Lactose intolerance occurs when there is not enough lactase or the body does not produce enough of the enzyme lactase. This enzyme is necessary to break down lactose, the sugar found in milk and other dairy products. Lactose intolerance is often common in adults and adults.
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How dangerous
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Symptoms of milk allergy often range from mild to severe symptoms, not only that, but this allergy can be life-threatening.
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With regard to lactose sensitivity, it does not affect the immune system, and although its symptoms may be annoying to many, it is not life threatening.
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the reasons
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A flaw in the immune system causes milk allergies by mistaking some milk proteins for harmful ones. As a result, the immune system receives a signal to release histamine and other chemicals when these proteins come into contact with the body. |
There are several reasons that may lead to lactose allergy, as depending on the reason behind not producing enough lactase, this sensitivity may be temporary or permanent, and among the reasons: heredity, or damage to the intestine due to a bacterial or viral infection
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symptoms
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Milk allergy begins after several minutes but can also take up to 20 hours to appear, and includes:
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Symptoms of lactose intolerance often appear between 30 minutes and 2 hours, and include:
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complications
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Similarities between milk allergy and lactose intolerance
We provide the following comparisons between the two conditions once you are familiar with the differences between milk allergy and lactose intolerance:
1. Symptoms
The two cases share some similar symptoms, which are:
- stomach pain.
- Nausea .
- diarrhea.
- abdominal cramps
2. Diagnostic methods
Since it is frequently difficult to tell the difference between milk allergy and lactose intolerance right away, the doctor will first take a medical history, examine the patient's symptoms, and determine how his body responds to dairy products. He will then recommend a number of tests to help determine the difference between milk allergy and lactose intolerance, including:
- Testing for hydrogen in the breath after consuming a lactose-containing beverage allows doctors to determine whether a patient has lactose or milk intolerance.
- Stool acidity test: Because undigested lactose increases the amount of acid in the stool, this test also aids in determining the type of allergy the patient has.
- Food allergy test: In order to perform an allergy test and determine whether the patient has a milk or lactose allergy, a blood sample is drawn or the patient's skin is examined.
- Oral test: The patient is fed a variety of foods, some of which may or may not contain milk, to see how their bodies respond.
Tips on the difference between a milk allergy and lactose intolerance
We provide you with the following key information regarding the distinction between milk allergy and lactose intolerance:
- A person should limit or avoid most dairy products in both situations, but they should also be careful to get enough calcium from other sources.
- Fish, leafy green vegetables, nuts, oranges, and beans are some substitutes for dairy products that still provide the required nutrients.
- It's best to read food labels before making any purchases and to stay away from items that contain dairy products like casein, whey, or lactulose.
- Consult a physician to carry out the required tests, confirm the patient's sensitivity, go over the instructions and safety measures that must be observed, and prescribe the best course of action.