In allergy, the body develops sensitivity to some harmless substances when people are exposed to it. When the person is exposed to that allergen again, it would lead to further reactions in the body. Body becomes allergic to various substances such as foods, dust and molds etc. Food allergy also includes dairy allergy.
Dairy allergy develops when the body’s immunity responds adversely to the proteins present in milk. Some people assume dairy allergy to be similar to lactose intolerance. But, these are two different conditions. Some differences between dairy allergy and lactose intolerance are discussed in this article.
What is Dairy Allergy?
Dairy allergy occurs when the body immune system is unable to respond to the proteins present in the milk. To counteract this condition, it produces antihistamines. These antihistamine causes inflammation on the skin along with other symptoms. Thus, people with dairy allergy should stay away from dairy products.
Symptoms of Dairy Allergy
Dairy allergy can lead to the following symptoms –
- Bloating
- Flatulence
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Headache
- Asthma
- Rashes
- Fatigue
- Stuffy nose
What is Lactose Intolerance?
- Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest the sugar present in milk. This sugar is called lactose.
- These people lack enzymes which help in digestion of lactose.
- 70% of world’s population lacks this lactase enzyme to digest milk sugar lactose and thus they have lactose intolerance.
- Some people have congenital defects, due to which they are unable to produce this enzyme.
- Lactose intolerance has nothing to do with the immunity of the body as in dairy allergy.
Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance has symptoms similar to dairy allergy such as the following:
- Flatulence
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Headache
The above are a few differences between dairy allergy and lactose intolerance.
