How Can I Tell The Difference Between Lactose Intolerance And A Milk Allergy?

Dr. Andrew Liu answers the question: 'Milk Allergy Versus Lactose Intolerance?'

By
Andrew Liu, M.D., Program Director, Pediatric Allergy & Immunology, National Jewish Medical and Research Ctr.
March 25, 2008, 12:19 PM ET
1 min read

— -- Question: How can I tell the difference between lactose intolerance and a milk allergy?

Answer: Lactose intolerance is a problem with digesting lactose sugar in milk. So those symptoms generally are limited to some discomfort of the stomach -- some gas, some bloating, maybe some diarrhea -- there's a delayed onset of action, and the symptoms are inconsistent with eating milk or dairy products -- sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn't.

In comparison, food allergic reactions usually are quick, they come on quickly. They're associated with other types of symptoms besides just of the stomach or the GI tract. So hives, difficulty breathing, allergic eye or nose symptoms are often common, typically occur.

They're also consistently reproducible. Every time you eat a certain amount of milk, that triggers the reaction that typically occurs, and it typically occurs quickly, almost always within an hour.

Next: What Formulas Are Available For Youngsters With Food Allergies? What Formula Should I Select If I Cannot Breastfeed?

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