Key Differences
There is an overlap in symptoms between a milk allergy and lactose intolerance. But that’s where their similarities end. They are vastly different conditions.
Milk (Dairy) Allergy
Food allergies are not uncommon. Allergy to dairy, or cow’s milk, is one of the most prevalent food allergies. It’s estimated that up to 5% of people in the United States may have an allergy to cow’s milk.
In contrast, a cow’s milk allergy can cause anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a sudden, serious, and life-threatening allergic reaction. It can cause trouble breathing and other symptoms. The treatment is epinephrine, which is given through an injection (an EpiPen). People who have food allergies may be advised to carry an epinephrine injector with them at all times.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest the sugar (lactose) that’s found in cow’s milk. It is caused by the body’s inability to produce an enzyme called lactase. Lactase is needed to break down and digest lactose.
Lactose intolerance can affect anyone but usually starts after infancy. Most babies can digest milk. After infancy, the production of lactase may decrease, causing a reduced ability to digest lactose. It’s thought that close to 70% of people are lactose intolerant.
As undigested lactose passes through the digestive system and into the colon, it may cause symptoms. The bacteria in the colon break down lactose, which leads to by-products of fluid and gas. Lactose intolerance can cause severe symptoms in some people. However, it is not considered a serious illness for which people may need medical attention.
What It’s Like to Have a Milk Allergy
A milk allergy may start before a baby is a year old. Symptoms may begin anywhere from one to several hours after having cow’s milk in any form. They may also come on after having milk products for a few days in a row. This can include fresh milk, products made from milk (yogurt and cheese), and milk baked into products like breads or muffins.
It’s possible to "outgrow" a milk allergy. It doesn’t happen to everyone, but some children with a milk allergy may better tolerate it as they age.
To manage a milk allergy and avoid symptoms, it’s important to remove milk from the diet. This may include milk from animals other than cows, such as goat’s milk. Some people may also need to be careful of milk protein in medications or supplements (such as probiotics) and products applied to the skin.
Potential symptoms of a cow’s milk allergy are numerous. One study reported these symptoms…
Sources
- Warren CM, Agrawal A, Gandhi D, Gupta RS. The US population-level burden of cow’s milk allergy. World Allergy Organ J. 2022; 15 (4): 100644. DOI: 10.1016/J.WAOJOU.2022.100644
- Yue D, Ciccolini A, Avilla and, Waserman S. Food allergy and anaphylaxis. J Asthma Allergy. 2018; 11: 111-120. DOI: 10.2147/JAO.S162456.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Lactose intolerance.
- Fiocchi A, Brokes J, Schünemann H, and al. World Allergy Organization (WAO) diagnosis and rationale for action against cow’s milk allergy (DRACMA) guidelines. World Allergy Organ J. 2010;3(4):57–161. doi:10.1097/WOX.0b013e3181defeb9
- Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE). Milk allergy.
- Gupta RS, Warren CM, Smith BM, et al. Prevalence and severity of food allergies among US adults. JAMA Netw Open. 2019; 2 (1): E185630. DOI: 10.1001/JamanetWorkOPen.2018.5630
Conclusion
In conclusion, milk allergy and lactose intolerance are two separate conditions that share some similarities in symptoms but have distinct causes and consequences. A milk allergy can be life-threatening, while lactose intolerance is not. It’s essential to understand the differences between these two conditions to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
FAQs
Q: Can I outgrow a milk allergy?
A: Yes, it’s possible to outgrow a milk allergy. However, not everyone will be able to do so.
Q: What are the symptoms of a milk allergy?
A: Symptoms of a milk allergy can include gas, diarrhea, vomiting, and anaphylaxis.
Q: How is a milk allergy treated?
A: A milk allergy is treated by removing milk from the diet. This may include milk from animals other than cows, such as goat’s milk.
Q: Can I be allergic to lactose?
A: No, lactose intolerance is not the same as a milk allergy. Lactose intolerance is caused by the body’s inability to digest lactose, while a milk allergy is an immune reaction to milk.
Q: What is anaphylaxis?
A: Anaphylaxis is a sudden, serious, and life-threatening allergic reaction. It can cause trouble breathing and other symptoms.
Q: What is the treatment for anaphylaxis?
A: The treatment for anaphylaxis is epinephrine, which is given through an injection (an EpiPen).