People often mistake lactose intolerance for milk allergy, not to mention IBS (Irritable Bowl Syndrome). I thought this would be a good time to repeat the basic distinctions:
Milk Allergy Lactose Intolerance
Allergies reaction to Allergic reaction to the Sugar
Protein in milk products in milk products
Symptoms:
Diarrhea Diarrhea
Vomiting Bloating
Skin rashes Overall uneasiness
low or no weight gain
Treatment:
Strict avoidance of milk protein Avoiding products with lactose
Taking calcium supplements Lactose-free or low-lactose diet
Overall, milk allergy should be treated as any other food allergy that could have serious (even hazardous) consequences for your health. Lactose intolerance, however, may be managed due to the abundance of lactose-free products available in the market, and is treated more as a way of life rather than a health risk.
Mistakenly diagnosing lactose intolerance when it is actually milk allergy could be life threatening. Be sure to read every available information before you reach a conclusion.
