Lactose allergy: how to fight it and ease symptoms

What is lactose allergy?

Lactose allergy is a reaction of the immune system to milk proteins that causes unpleasant symptoms. In this article, an experienced allergist will talk about the peculiarities of this disease, the signs of lactose allergy, and ways of treating it.

Lactose allergy arises from the body's intolerance to the protein casein or other milk proteins contained in dairy products. Lactose allergy can occur in infants, babies, children, and adults.

Difference between lactose allergy and lactose intolerance

Lactose allergy and lactose intolerance should be distinguished. Intolerance is a digestive disorder due to a lack of lactase enzyme, which breaks down lactose, whereas allergy is an immune response of the body to milk proteins.

Causes of lactose allergy

• Genetic predisposition plays an important role in the development of lactose allergy. If parents suffer from an allergy, the likelihood of a child developing it increases.
• Lactose allergy is more common in children, especially infants and babies, as their immune system is not yet fully formed. In adults, lactose allergy is less common but still possible.

Symptoms of lactose allergy

The signs of lactose allergy can be different and depend on individual characteristics of the body. Some of the most common symptoms include skin manifestations, digestive problems, and respiratory symptoms.

Digestive problems

How does lactose allergy manifest in the digestive system? Among the common symptoms are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain. If these symptoms appear, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

Skin manifestations

What does lactose allergy look like on the skin? Skin symptoms include redness, itching, rash, swelling, and eczema. In newborns and infants, there may also be rashes and dermatitis.

Diagnosis of lactose allergy

How to understand if there is lactose allergy? To diagnose lactose allergy, a doctor takes a medical history, evaluates symptoms, and prescribes tests. It is important to inform the doctor of all allergy manifestations and products that trigger a reaction.

• Laboratory blood, urine, and stool tests may be prescribed to detect lactose protein antibodies and identify possible causes of the allergy.
• Provocative tests may be prescribed to determine the body's reaction to lactose. During the test, the patient is given a certain amount of dairy products, and the reaction is evaluated afterwards.

Treatment and prevention of lactose allergy

What can't you eat with lactose allergy? Treatment of lactose allergy begins with changing the diet. It is necessary to exclude or limit the consumption of dairy products containing lactose and replace them with lactose-free alternatives.

Many dairy products can be replaced with alternative options, such as plant-based milk, yogurt, and cheese made from soy, almond, coconut, or walnut.

Today, there are many lactose-free products available on the market that can help maintain a diverse diet and meet the body's needs for necessary nutrients and micronutrients.

Medication treatment

In some cases, when a change in diet does not have the desired effect, a doctor may prescribe medication treatment.

Antihistamines (Cetirizine, Loratadine, Fexofenadine, Dimethinden, Ebastine) can help alleviate lactose allergy symptoms such as itching, redness, and swelling.

Probiotics and digestive aids may be useful for maintaining gut health and improving digestion.

Preventive measures

• To prevent lactose allergy, it is necessary to strengthen the immune system, regularly undergo medical examinations, and monitor your health.
• A healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, physical activity, and stress reduction contribute to immune system strengthening, which can help reduce the risk of developing lactose allergy.
• Regular consultations with a doctor and preventive examinations allow for monitoring of health status and timely detection of allergic reactions to lactose.

Lactose allergy can occur in people of different age groups, but is especially common in infants and babies. It is important to know how to understand if a child or adult has lactose allergy and to seek medical diagnosis and treatment. With preventive measures, lactose-free alternatives, and immune system strengthening, most people with lactose allergy can lead a full life without restrictions.