Differences of Cow Milk Allergy and Lactose Intolerance

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What is a cow's milk allergy?

It is impossible to separate the baby from the milk, because most parents think milk is the main source of nutrients that can meet nutritional needs. After breastfeeding, parents generally choose to cow's milk. But what happens if your child is allergic to cow's milk? So, do you immediately stop the consumption of milk to the baby?

In general, what is meant by allergies is the rejection of the body of the entry of foreign substances into the body. So, cow's milk allergy is a reaction to the body's rejection of formula milk containing cow's milk protein. This is because the child has a system of immune reactions that react abnormally to the proteins contained in cow's milk, so symptoms appear as an allergic reaction.

An antibody system identifies proteins that milk possesses as a harmful “attack” and keeps the body continually removing antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE) into the bloodstream. This antibody then releases histamine, which causes a reaction to milk allergy. This reaction usually occurs several minutes to several hours after the child consumes milk. Symptoms also vary from mild symptoms to symptoms that need to be watched, such as shortness of breath, vomiting, reddish spots that itch on the skin and digestive problems.

Then, what's the fundamental difference from cow's milk allergy and lactose intolerance?

Many people misunderstand lactose intolerance and consider it the same case as cow's milk allergy. Although the symptoms are more or less the same, but cow's milk allergy and lactose intolerance are two very different cases. Cow milk allergy is caused by the body's rejection of proteins, whereas lactose intolerance is the lack or absence of a lactose enzyme possessed by the body to break down the lactose present in the body. The reaction is usually not directly occur. It takes some time to develop these symptoms of lactose intolerance.

Related article : Food Allergy in Children

Handling it?

If the baby has one of the allergies of the two cases above, then you should begin to pay very much attention to the intake of nutrients that enter into their bodies. Handling to be considered in cases of cow's milk allergy and lactose intolerance is certainly different. Children who are allergic to cow's milk better avoid the consumption of cow's milk and milk-based foods. Replace calcium intake with other calcium sources such as broccoli, mustard greens, tofu, or Tempe. While children who have lactose intolerance can still consume milk, provided that milk is not lactose-based. Soy milk is a good solution for both.