Understanding The Difference Between Milk Allergies And Lactosa Intolerance

Illustration of milk allergies and laktoss intolerance (Healthway)

JAKARTA - Allergies of milk and lactose intolerance are often equated because they show similar symptoms. In fact, these two health problems are different.

According to Consultant Alergi Immunology Anak from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia-Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (FKUI-RSCM) Prof. Dr. dr. Zakiudin Munasir, Sp.A(K), a milk allergy is a condition in which the child's body has an immune reaction to the protein contained in milk, such as kasein or whey.

"The milk energy and intolerance of lactose are two very different conditions although both involve digestive problems after consuming dairy products," Zakiudin said in a webinar as quoted by Antara.

Allergies tend to be more serious and require immediate medical treatment, where genetic factors, especially a history of allergies in the family, can increase the risk of a milk allergy in children.

If the child has a milk allergy, usually there will be significant symptoms such as skin rashes, vomiting, itching, swelling around the mouth or face, even more severe reactions.

He further said that lactose intolerance is a digestive problem.

In contrast to milk allergies, lactose intolerance occurs when the body is unable to digest lactose, which is natural sugar found in milk.

This condition occurs due to a lack of lactice enzymes, which should help break down lactose in the fine intestines.

The symptoms that appear usually include diarrhea, bloating, and pain in the stomach after consuming milk or dairy products.

In the case of lactose intolerance, the body does not respond to protein milk as in milk allergies, but only has difficulty digesting lactose.

According to him, lactose intolerance can occur at any age, although it is more common to find adults or larger children.

Children who are intolerant of lactose can consume limited amounts of milk products or low amounts of lactose without causing severe symptoms.

Parents can try to give low milk lactose or regulate the amount of milk consumption given to reduce symptoms.

"If a child experiences symptoms after consuming milk, it is important to consult a doctor to get the right diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment steps," he said.