Lactose intolerance is the full or partial inability to digest and assimilate lactose, the sugar found in milk and dairy products. An inability to digest lactose is due to the absence of or low levels of lactase, the enzyme necessary for digesting lactose. Lactose intolerance is prevalent among populations of East Asian, Native American, Latin American, or African descent. Lactose intolerance is not common among northern European populations. Arguably most of the world's populations are lactose intolerant. The condition is not dangerous, though can certainly be uncomfortable after consumption of milk and dairy products.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance
Symptoms of lactose intolerance may include diarrhea, gassiness, and nausea. Symptoms tend to occur between thirty minutes and a couple of hours after consumption of dairy products, but sometimes may not appear until days later.
Lactose intolerance is not the same as allergies to dairy products. Lactose intolerance is caused by a lack of the enzyme lactase. Lactose intolerance is not common in young white children. Lactose intolerance is more common in black, Asian, Hispanic and American Indian populations. Lactose intolerance is not an all or nothing condition. Lactose intolerance is when a person has difficulty or is unable to digest milk sugars.
A Common Allergy
Milk allergies, usually associated with cow's milk, are among the most common allergies that afflict people. An allergy to milk is a reaction to certain proteins in dairy milk. Twice as many people suffer from allergic reactions to milk as towers eggs triple as the rate of an allergy to peanuts. Anyone with a milk allergy will have an allergic reaction to consuming dairy products such milk, cheese, and whey. Some food products contain milk in their ingredients, though it would not be obvious in many cases without reading the ingredients. Very young children are among the demographics most afflicted by an allergies to dairy products, but may develop a tolerance to milk as they grow up.
Under-Diagnosed by Doctors, Over Diagnosed by General Population
Milk allergies are often not recognized by doctors, while there is a lot erroneous self-diagnosis by people in the general population.
Milk Allergies and Ear Infections
Milk allergies are widely considered to be associated with ear infections, sinus problems, and fluid build-up in respiratory passages
Are Behavioral Problems in Children Linked to Milk Allergies?
Some studies suggest that there may be a link between children with behavioral problems and milk allergies.
Milk and Asthma
Childhood asthma may have a connection with allergies to milk.
Link Between Skin Disorders an Allergy to Dairy Products
Research suggests that serious skin disorders such eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis may be partially caused by milk allergies.
If You Think You or a Loved One has a Milk Allergy, See a Qualified Specialist
See a qualified medical medical doctor and get a referral to an allergist to confirm or discount an allergy to milk. While you're seeing an allergist, check out what else you might be allergic to. If you do suffer from milk allergies, there are a number of milk alternatives that you can consider.
