Lactose is a type of complex sugar. It is found in natural dairy products that are digested by the human body with the help of an enzyme called lactase. A small percentage of people named this enzyme. In this article, we will look at what lactose allergy is, the symptoms and causes of its occurrence, and also acquaint the reader with the main methods of treating this disease.
According to statistics, both children and adults suffer equally from this disease. In both cases, it is important to establish the presence of this disease as early as possible, as well as to distinguish it from an allergy to milk. Because they are completely different things. So, in the case of hypersensitivity to lactose, it is not necessary to completely exclude dairy products from the diet, but in case of an allergic reaction to milk, this is simply necessary.
Reasons
Before we list the symptoms of lactose allergy in adults, we will name the reasons for the appearance of such a reaction. The main ones are:
- Genetic predisposition. If one ofparents noted a lack of enzymes for the digestion of lactose, then with a probability of up to 25% it can be said that the child will be born with this problem. The most characteristic genetic inheritance of the inhabitants of Asia.
- Sometimes the symptoms of lactose allergy may not appear until after the child reaches 3 years of age. This is due to the fact that this age period is characterized by a natural decrease in the content of lactase in the body.
- According to numerous studies, the symptoms of lactose allergy may occur in connection with the development of other diseases in the body associated with disruption of the cells of the small intestine, in which the above-mentioned enzyme is produced.
Symptoms
Now let's move on to the consideration of the symptoms of this disease. The symptoms of lactose allergy need to be known in order to distinguish this disease from milk intolerance, which is so common in the adult population. Now let's look into this issue.
Thus, a lactose allergy will make itself felt only an hour or more after eating dairy products, and milk intolerance will manifest itself after 5-10 minutes. In most cases, lactose allergy causes the following changes in the body:
- liquid stool;
- flatulence;
- abdominal discomfort;
- presence of pain in the stomach and intestines;
- various manifestations on the skin: rashes, redness, diathesis;
- itching of the skin;
- increasedbody temperature;
- allergic rhinitis;
- headache of various nature;
- in some cases, bronchospasm develops, which is most dangerous in childhood.
The most severe manifestation of lactose allergy is Quincke's edema and anaphylactic shock. If these complications occur, medical attention is urgently needed.
In many ways, the symptoms of lactose allergy are similar to common food poisoning. However, if such a reaction is not recognized in time, it is possible to allow the development of a more complex form of the course of the disease.
Allergy to galactose
In some cases, the allergy is not to lactose, but to another substance called galactose. This substance is also formed by the separation of milk sugar by the enzyme lactase into separate components for its subsequent assimilation. Allergy to galactose is much less common. However, its manifestations are no less dangerous. The fact is that the development of an allergic reaction to galactose cannot be noticed immediately after consuming dairy products. Since in this case there is a cumulative effect. When a high amount of galactose accumulates in the body of a child or an adult, an allergy develops, the complications of which are especially dangerous.
These include the following conditions: dysfunction of the kidneys and liver, hypoglycemia, cataracts, delayed physical and mental development of the child. If you have an allergy togalactose is established, it is necessary to immediately stop the use of any dairy products and take measures to cleanse the body of accumulated allergens.
Don't confuse allergies with poisoning! Allergy test
The symptoms of lactose allergy in adults appear almost the same in all cases. However, often a person does not even realize what became the true cause of the ailment. Since allergy symptoms are very easy to confuse with ordinary poisoning. Often, a person encounters lactose intolerance at a fairly mature age, which can be triggered by various diseases or surgical interventions affecting the organs of the gastrointestinal tract. That is why it is important after any major surgery to follow the diet recommended by the doctor and include other products gradually, observing the body's reaction.
If a person suspects that his body has developed intolerance to dairy products, he can be tested for lactose allergy. Symptoms, although they indicate the presence of a similar reaction, but, as already mentioned, they can be confused with signs of some other disease.
Allergies in children and babies
Now let's take a closer look at how lactose allergy symptoms manifest in children. Mild lactase intolerance is common to all children over two years of age. This is a completely normal age-related change in the body. Since the need for milk is significantly reduced. It is quite logical to assume thatwith a decrease in the need for milk, there is a decrease in the production of the lactase enzyme by the body. This leads to lactose intolerance.
Since the child's body is not yet strong enough, it is difficult for him to cope with any diseases, including various types of allergies. Parents should closely monitor the condition of the child and, if necessary, seek medical help. It is especially dangerous to miss the symptoms of lactose allergy in infants. Since for a tiny organism to cope with the disease on its own is an impossible task. It is possible to suspect lactose intolerance in an infant if the child does not stop vomiting and diarrhea after drinking mother's milk. Some other signs should also alert mom:
- no or little weight gain;
- stool disorder;
- various manifestations on the skin - rashes, redness, itching;
- breastfeeding after 3-5 minutes of feeding;
- the child tucks its legs, cries and acts up.
Allergy to lactose can manifest not only during breastfeeding, but also when feeding a child with artificial mixtures that contain soy or cow protein. For infants diagnosed with lactose allergy, a special lactose-free diet has been developed. It is important to detect the problem early. And switch to lactose-free formulas to avoid developmental delay and other he alth problems.
Intolerance is especially common in premature babies, whose gastrointestinal tract is not mature enough to produce the lactase enzyme. Infants born prematurely should receive increased attention from both medical staff and parents, especially mothers.
Diet
Treatment of lactose allergy, if the disease is confirmed by a doctor, should first of all begin with the introduction of a special diet called elimination. Such a nutrition system implies the complete exclusion of dairy products from the diet. It is important to know the composition of each food you eat. Since the presence of milk may not be visible in it, but it will be present. To facilitate the task, you can start a notebook in which all the products used and the body's reaction to them will be recorded. An adult, depending on the severity of the allergy, may be allowed small amounts of fermented milk products. Since in them most of the lactose is destroyed by bacteria.
Drugs
If the patient has not noticed the presence of milk in any product and an allergic reaction is already taking place, it is necessary to seek medical help, where appropriate measures will be taken to cleanse the body. For these purposes, enterosorbent preparations are used, and a drug such as Semiticon can be recommended to relieve symptoms. If the symptoms of allergy are mild, the patient may take a dose of enzyme supplements containing lactase, whichshould always be in his first aid kit.
Lactose allergy symptoms in children can bring them much more discomfort than adults. Therefore, it is very important to help the baby in a timely manner. Especially for children, the Lactase Baby enzyme supplement has been developed, which can be used from 0 to 7 years of age.
Prevention
In order to prevent the development of lactose allergy, doctors recommend limiting the consumption of products containing raw milk. The body of an adult person absorbs fermented milk products much faster. Therefore, they should be given preference.
In conclusion
Now you know what a lactose allergy is. Causes, symptoms, treatment and other nuances of this disease - all these important topics are discussed in detail in our article. And remember that any disease needs to be known in person, especially when it comes to allergies, the symptoms of which can often be similar to other conditions.
