A milk allergy is common among the many types of allergic reactions – and potentially serious for young children. Without careful avoidance or access to a food allergy treatment, a child could be at risk of anaphylaxis. However, some suspected allergic responses are actually an intolerance to dairy, and may be less serious. If you are one of the many people in or near Atlanta experiencing uncomfortable symptoms after drinking milk, it is important to understand the difference between an allergy and intolerance.
What Are the Key Differences Between a Milk Allergy and Intolerance?
While it’s easy to confuse an allergy with an intolerance due to certain similar symptoms, they are significantly different. A milk allergy is an immunological response to proteins in a type of milk (most commonly cow’s milk). Conversely, milk intolerance is a non-immunological response that’s triggered by digestive issues.
The signs of a milk allergy range in severity from person to person, from mild rashes or itching to nausea and severe breathing issues. An intolerance may bring discomfort and pain, including bloating, cramps and diarrhea – but it will not be life-threatening. Of course, the range of severity in possible symptoms means that a milk allergy should not be ignored, and that it’s important to seek help from a food allergist.
What Causes a Milk Allergy?
A milk allergy is caused by the immune system overreacting to proteins found in the milk. The two main proteins that cause allergic reactions are casein and whey, which are present in cow’s milk. After drinking milk, the immune system sends a signal to release histamines and in response, the symptoms of an allergic reaction occur. Typically, these symptoms will start within minutes of drinking milk, but they can be delayed for hours.
What Causes Lactose Intolerance?
Intolerance to milk is caused by an inability to break down a sugar called lactose that is found in the milk. An individual without the enzyme lactase won’t be able to break down lactose, and will therefore experience problems digesting these sugars. This issue can result in stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea and other gut problems.
What Can You Do if You Have a Milk Allergy or Intolerance?
For anyone who is intolerant, making adjustments to one’s diet is a useful approach to prevent ongoing discomfort. While avoiding milk and the products that contain milk as an ingredient will prevent unwanted reactions, this practice can also leave an individual somewhat deficient in calcium. To truly understand the issue and take appropriate measures, people with milk allergies are advised to seek help from a food allergist. If you want to continue including milk in your diet, the only way to accomplish this is through a program of desensitization called oral immunotherapy treatment.
Trusted Milk Allergy Treatments in Atlanta
If you have experienced any of the symptoms of a milk allergy, contact the Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center for help. We can diagnose and treat milk allergies to reduce the chances of allergic reactions. Our services are available from our locations in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Druid Hills, Duluth and Johns Creek. For assistance, call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment now.
