Whats the difference between lactose intolerance and cows milk allergy?
Question answered by Dr Mayberry, Consultant Physician and Professor in Gastroenterology When someone has a cows’ milk allergy their immune system has an abnormal reaction to milk proteins, which can be life-threatening, whereas an intolerance to lactose is not life threatening but may cause discomfort and similar digestive symptoms. Babies who develop cows’ milk allergy may have one or several of the following symptoms: – eczema or skin rash – abdominal pain or cramps – vomiting or diarrhoea Less commonly, some children may have a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis which occurs within minutes after eating or drinking food which they’re allergic to. The most serious symptom of an anaphylactic reaction is the swelling of the face, mouth and tongue leading to difficulty breathing. When a person is lactose intolerant, their body does not have enough of the enzyme lactase, needed by the digestive system, to break down the milk sugar lactose. Symptoms of lactose intolerance includ
Posted on 28/11/2008 When someone has a cows’ milk allergy their immune system has an abnormal reaction to milk proteins, which can be life-threatening, whereas an intolerance to lactose is not life threatening but may cause discomfort and similar digestive symptoms. Babies who develop cows’ milk allergy may have one or several of the following symptoms: – eczema or skin rash – abdominal pain or cramps – vomiting or diarrhoea Less commonly, some children may have a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis which occurs within minutes after eating or drinking food which they’re allergic to. The most serious symptom of an anaphylactic reaction is the swelling of the face, mouth and tongue leading to difficulty breathing. When a person is lactose intolerant, their body does not have enough of the enzyme lactase, needed by the digestive system, to break down the milk sugar lactose. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include abdominal pain, bloating and diarrhoea after lactose ingestion. If
