Intolerance or Allergy?

Question

I was diagnosed with lactose intolerance....but sometimes I get sick and im not sure why. OR I feel or get worse reaction then other times...sometimes im like eh other times im very sick to my stomack and have lots of diarea....i know a milk allergy and intolerance have lots of the symtopms but is ther any way to tell the differnce??
I would like to have soem ground to test my self before persuing a doctor.

Thanks!!!

Answer 1

Lactose intolerance means your body does not a have a necessary enzyme to digest the milk sugar - lactose. A true ALLERGY to milk is to the milk protein, most often called casein (proteins are the substances to which we have food allergies, no protein no real allergy.) In the nursery we would give babies suspected of one of those things, milk with lactase (the missing enzyme) already in it - if the symptoms remained then we assumed it was to the protein and we changed to a soy protein formula.

Also lactose intolerance is more often found in those with darker skin and hair! (But I'm a very pale red head) And there are different levels- some people can tolerate small amounts but take in too much and the problems start. I can do cheese, and milk/cream after it has been cooked, but anymore than a 1/2 cup milk or ice cream and I have problems.

Answer 2

You definetly are developing a full blown allergy to Lactose. All it takes is a simple blood test to tell you. Tell him you want a milk allergy test. Dairy can effect your skin and your bowels. Often, it can also affect your tongue/throat/and roof of your mouth.
If you are not anxious on persuing a doctor for your problem, try drinking Lactaid Brand Milk. It tastes the same as regular milk but without the bothersome lactose. If that works for you, then you have your answer.

Answer 3

Stary: In a true allergic reaction the body produces IgE. The only way to truly tell the difference between allergy or just sensitivity is to test for the presence of this human immunoglobuin in the blood. If you don't want to go the doctor route, just start reading labels. Cut out all milk and milk products from your diet, fresh or otherwise. If it makes you feel terrible...does it really matter if you are just sensitive or allergic? Just avoid it and that way you avoid the problem. If you like ice cream, try italian ices. They are yummy with no dairy. You can get calcium from lots of fresh veggies, so no need to drink milk. Besides, how many other mammals drink milk after they are weaned? I am including a great link to a site that is updated very often. Its great for people trying to avoid things like dairy or gluten.

Answer 4

Those symptoms sound like lactose intolerance. Someone allergic to milk usually breaks out in hives or their throat swells shut. Try lactaid milk. It should not bother you.