Cow's Milk Allergy or Lactose Intolerance?

Cow's milk allergy is a common allergy. It is an increased response from your body's immune system to milk and other dairy products. This type of allergy mostly occurs in infants. Lactose intolerance looks pretty similar at first glance, since people that suffer from it also have problems drinking milk. There is however a difference.

Cow's milk allergy symptoms
Cow's milk allergy presents itself with the following symptoms.

· Vomiting

· Diarrhea or constipation

· Itching or rashes

· Your baby might cry a lot

· Migraine

Lactose intolerance symptoms
The symptoms of lactose intolerance are different. They include the following reactions when eating or drinking products containing lactose. These reactions usually occur within 30 minutes to two hours after consuming a product containing lactose.

· Bloating

· Cramps

· Flatulence

· Vormiting

· Diarrhea

The difference between cow's milk allergy and lactose intolerance
The difference between the two afflictions is that cow's milk allergy is a food allergy that causes an immune reaction to milk. Lactose intolerance is not an allergy, but a food sensitivity. This food sensitivity occurs because of a lack of the lactase enzyme. Almost all adults are lactose intolerant in a way, although some people suffer more than others.

Treating cow's milk allergy
What is the best treatment of this allergy? If you suspect that your baby is allergic to cow's milk, it is best to see a doctor. He can indicate the severity of the allergy and give you advice on how to treat it. Inform people around you about your child's allergy. This way you can avoid that your child accidentally consumes milk products.

Treating lactose intolerance
How do you treat lactose intolerance? Patients suffering from this affliction can be treated by avoiding certain products. First you should avoid products containing lactose. Lactose is present in lots of foods and drinks, so this can be tricky. Always check the ingredients to foods and drinks, so you know whether they contain lactose. In some countries products containing lactose have to state that they contain (traces of) lactose. What products should you avoid when you have a severe intolerance?

Milk
Of course you should avoid drinking milk, as milk contains lactose. Did you know that human milk contains about twice as much lactose as cow's milk?

Cheese
Cheese contains far less lactose than milk, but it still contains traces of lactose. 'Older' cheese contains less lactose than younger cheese.

Butter
Butter contains small quantities of lactose. There are however special types of butter that contain almost no lactose, like clarified butter.

Yoghurt
Lactose intolerant patients should note that yoghurt contains a reasonable amount of lactose and should be avoided when there is a high intolerance. Some types of yoghurt contain even more lactose than cow's milk.