Health Tip: Milk Allergy is Not Lactose Intolerance

(HealthDay News) -- What''s the difference between lactose intolerance and a milk allergy?

The Nemours Foundation offers this primer:

• Milk allergy is caused by an allergy to proteins in milk, while lactose intolerance is an inability to break down lactose, a sugar in milk.
• Milk allergy most often occurs in infants, while lactose intolerance usually occurs later in life.
• Milk allergy not only affects digestion, but also the skin and respiration. Lactose intolerance primarily affects digestion, causing symptoms including bloating, gas, and loose bowels.
• Milk allergy has the potential to be life-threatening, while lactose intolerance is unpleasant but not dangerous.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: Dec. 25, 2006

Copyright © 2006 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved.