Lactose, naturally found in milk and dairy products, provides energy to the body. However, in some individuals, the immune system may react to this component. This condition, known as lactose allergy, is not limited to digestive system complaints. It can lead to various symptoms affecting the skin, respiratory, and immune systems. Although often confused with the commonly seen lactose intolerance, the involvement of the immune system in an allergy makes the situation different.
What is Lactose Allergy?
Lactose allergy occurs when the immune system perceives foods containing lactose as foreign substances and produces a defensive response. Unlike lactose intolerance, this condition is directly immune system-related rather than due to enzyme deficiency.
When individuals with lactose allergy consume milk and dairy products, the body releases certain chemicals like histamine, affecting the intestines, skin, and overall metabolic function. This condition, which can be more pronounced during childhood, requires accurate diagnosis and management.
What are the Symptoms of Lactose Allergy?
Lactose allergy can cause symptoms in different systems, and the severity of complaints may vary according to the individual's immune response. Symptoms often appear some time after consuming milk and dairy products.
Digestive System Symptoms
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Bloating and abdominal pain
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Increased gas
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Nausea and vomiting
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Diarrhea
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Restlessness and abdominal hardening in infants
Skin Symptoms
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Redness
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Itching
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Eczema flare-ups
Respiratory System Symptoms
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Runny nose and congestion
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Cough
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Wheezing
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Difficulty breathing in rare cases
Additional Symptoms in Children and Infants
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Vomiting
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Digestive irregularity
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Skin rashes
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Restlessness and loss of appetite
How is Lactose Allergy Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of lactose allergy can be supported by clinical history, physical examination, laboratory findings, and when necessary, an elimination diet. In children, careful assessment is required as symptoms can be confused with other digestive system diseases.
Methods used in diagnosis:
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Allergy Tests: Immune response to lactose can be measured through blood tests or skin prick tests.
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Elimination Diet: Having the patient avoid lactose-containing foods for a period and monitoring symptoms can significantly help in the diagnosis process.
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Food Diary Monitoring: Recording daily consumed foods and emerging symptoms can facilitate diagnosis in infants and children.
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Diagnosis in Infants: When allergy due to breast milk or formula is suspected, the infant's vomiting, gas, and skin reactions are observed, and appropriate tests can be performed.
What is the Difference Between Lactose Allergy and Lactose Intolerance?
Lactose allergy and lactose intolerance are two different health conditions often confused in society because they lead to similar complaints. However, the mechanisms of these two conditions, the symptoms they cause, and their treatment approaches differ.
Lactose allergy is a condition that occurs when the immune system perceives lactose as a harmful substance and produces a defensive response. When milk or dairy products are consumed, the body secretes substances like histamine, causing symptoms in different systems ranging from skin reactions to respiratory distress.
Lactose intolerance, on the other hand, is not related to the immune system; it may develop entirely due to the insufficient functioning of the lactase enzyme that breaks down lactose in the digestive system. Therefore, intolerance does not create as systemic and comprehensive a condition as an allergy; rather, it leads to digestion-focused complaints such as gas, bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are lactose-free products completely safe for lactose allergy?
Lactose-free products can often be consumed safely; however, it is essential to carefully check the content label as some products may contain hidden lactose or milk-based components. It is advisable to choose products with simple ingredients and without additives as much as possible.
What can people with lactose allergy consume instead of milk?
Individuals with lactose allergy may opt for plant-based alternatives such as almond milk, oat milk, or rice milk. Additionally, lactose-free milk and dairy products can also be suitable options; however, label verification is necessary.
Can lactose allergy be seen in infants?
Yes, lactose allergy can occur in infants and often presents symptoms like vomiting, abdominal pain, skin rashes, and restlessness. In infants who are breastfed, the mother's consumption of dairy products can also influence the symptoms, thus requiring assessment under expert supervision.
Can lactose allergy completely pass?
In some children, the allergy may diminish or completely disappear over time as the immune system matures. However, lactose allergy that arises in adulthood may require lifelong caution.
