How do you know if your baby has a cow’s milk allergy or is lactose intolerant?
Around 2.5% of children under the age of three are allergic to cow’s milk, but this differs from being lactose intolerant. How do you know if your baby is allergic or intolerant? Senior sister JSH van Wyk weighs in.
Understand the difference between a milk allergy and lactose intolerance
According to senior sister JSH van Wyk, a registered nurse with the South African Nursing Council, it’s important to understand that a cow’s milk allergy and lactose intolerance are two different things, even though the conditions pertain to the same food substance.
“Lactose intolerance points to a problem with your baby's digestive system - babies with this issue don't have the enzyme necesarry to digest lactose, the sugar found in cow's milk. A cow's milk allergy, on the other hand, is a condition of the immune system. The body reacts to the protein in the milk, and the symptoms are more varied than just the digestive tract - there may be rashes or swelling on other parts of the body,” she explains.
Keep an eye out for the most obvious symptoms
The symptoms of a cow’s milk allergy and lactose intolerance differ, so it helps to keep track of how your baby reacts to dairy-based foods if you suspect that there might be a problem.
“The symptoms of lactose intolerance include irritability, stomach aches and bloating, a consistent nappy rash, passing a lot of gas, as well as green, frothy stools and ongoing diarrhoea. A cow's milk allergy, on the other hand, can present with hives, swelling of the lips face or eyes, noisy breathing and wheezing, a swollen or tight throat, eczema and blood or mucus in the stool,” advises Nurse Van Wyk.
VERY IMPORTANT: If your baby ever wheezes or has difficulty breathing, has a swollen tongue, vomits uncontrollably, or becomes pale, floppy or unconscious, seek medical advice immediately.
Don’t assume – have your child tested
Whether you’re suspecting a milk allergy or lactose intolerance, Nurse Van Wyk urges parents to consult with their paediatrician so they may know exactly what they’re dealing with.
“It is always best to consult with a registered healthcare provider who knows your child and sees them for their well-baby assessments on a regular basis instead of making a diagnoses yourself. Allergies and intolerances can become quite serious if you don’t manage it correctly. As such, it’s always the safest course of action to get input from a trained medical professional who knows your child’s medical history,” cautions Nurse Van Wyk.
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