Milk or dairy allergies and lactose intolerance are not related. A milk allergy is an immune system reaction to the proteins found in milk, triggering a variety of symptoms from mild (rashes) to severe (trouble breathing, anaphylaxis). If you have it, your body reacts to the proteins in milk and other dairy products as if they’re dangerous invaders. It releases substances that cause these allergy symptoms.

Lactose intolerance is not an allergy and does not involve your immune system. It involves your digestive system. It is your body’s reaction to the natural sugar or lactose found in milk. People who are lactose intolerant cannot digest the sugar in milk (lactose) because they have a deficiency of lactase, an enzyme produced by cells in the lining of the small intestine. Lactase is required to metabolize lactose. Instead of digesting normally in your stomach and small intestine, undigested lactose moves into your colon, where it’s broken down by bacteria and causes bloating and gas.

Symptoms of Milk Allergy
Milk allergy symptoms can start right away or hours after drinking milk or eating foods that contain milk.• Stomach cramps, gas, diarrhea
• Vomiting and nausea
• Running nose, coughing, trouble breathing
• Swelling of the eyes, face, tongue and lips
• Itchy skin, rash, hives, eczema
• Bloody stools (especially in infants)
• Anaphylaxis (in extreme cases, potentially life-threatening reaction)

Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance
• Stomach cramps, gas, diarrhea
• Vomiting and nausea
Running nose, coughing, trouble breathing, swelling, hives, blood in stool, and anaphylaxis are not symptoms of lactose intolerance.

Allergies to food (including milk) are the most common causes of anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Symptoms include swelling of the airways, impairing the ability to breathe, and a sudden drop in blood pressure, causing dizziness and fainting.

Am I More Likely to Have Dairy Allergy?
You’re more likely to develop dairy allergy if:
• You have other allergies
• You have eczema
• One or both of your parents has a food or other allergy, like hay fever, eczema or asthma
• You’re young. Milk allergy is more common in children. As you get older, your digestive system is less likely to react to milk.

If you suspect you have a milk allergy or lactose intolerance, why not book a FREE one hour consultation ($149 value) with one of our allergy laser technicians. There is a very good chance we can help you eliminate all or most of your allergy symptoms once and for all using laser therapy. To learn more about this treatment, please visit https://allergylaser.ca or call 647-952-1555. Our clinic location is at 9212 Yonge St, Richmond Hill.