There are many myths surrounding lactose intolerance and this has led many people to self-diagnose themselves as lactose intolerant or even lactose allergic when they have intestinal symptoms after consuming mainly dairy products.

First of all, it should be pointed out that milk intolerance is due to intestinal malabsorption of lactose, the major sugar in milk. In contrast, milk allergy is due to an immunological reaction to milk proteins. The symptoms are very different in the two disorders.

Do not confuse milk intolerance with milk allergy. Their their causes, symptoms and consequences are very different.

Milk allergy usually manifests itself in very young children, who may develop skin rashes, pimples, itching and swelling of the throat, nose and eyes, sneezing, difficulty in breathing and, in the most severe cases, anaphylaxis, which can be fatal. The reaction can be triggered by the slightest ingestion of even trace amounts of milk proteins. The diagnosis will be made by a Specialist in Allergology and the treatment will consist of a strict diet free of any dairy product.

In contrast, lactose intolerance generally manifests itself in adults, with only digestive symptoms: abdominal pain, flatulence, abdominal distension, diarrhea, nausea, etc. It will never cause symptoms as severe as anaphylaxis, so there is no serious risk to life, even if a small amount of lactose is ingested. The diagnosis will be made by a Gastroenterology Specialist through blood tests, intestinal biopsy or, mainly, through a breath test. Treatment will also consist of avoiding lactose, although generally, all patients tolerate without problems some dairy products, such as cheese and yogurts, where lactose fermentation generates lactic acid, which does not cause intolerance problems.

If you have digestive symptoms when you eat dairy foods or dairy and you think you may be lactose intolerant, take a breath test and get out of a breath test and get out of doubt quickly and easily.