Allergy - an immunological disorder

Allergy and intolerance are two diametrically opposed phenomena. In the case of an allergy, the body activates its immune system to produce specific antibodies that fight the allergens in milk. Allergies are often accompanied by a rash. Food intolerance does not involve the immune system, only the digestive system - primarily the intestines. Intolerance results in diarrhoea, flatulence, vomiting and a gurgling sensation in the abdomen.

Intolerance in other words?

Milk intolerance is the body's failure to tolerate lactose, a sugar naturally found in milk. People with lactose intolerance do not have the enzyme lactase in their intestines, which is responsible for digesting lactose.

Types of intolerance

There are three main types of lactose intolerance. Acquired, congenital and primary. The first of these, acquired intolerance, is the result of gastrointestinal disorders and is usually temporary. Congenital intolerance is a metabolic disorder that accompanies from the first moments of life. Primary intolerance is the result of genetic conditions and manifests itself by the disappearance of lactase with age.

Symptoms of allergy and intolerance

The main symptoms of milk intolerance in newborns include persistent diarrhoea, accompanied by a burning sensation on the buttocks.

In the case of children and adolescents, or the elderly, include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• flatulence,
• a feeling of fullness,
• overflowing in the abdomen, a feeling of strange bubbling.

Symptoms of a milk allergy include numerous rashes, often progressing to atopic dermatitis, constipation and diarrhoea. In the case of infants, the appearance of cradle cap, rashes on the elbows and knees, watery stools and a chronic runny nose are cited as allergy symptoms.