Lactose is one of the varieties of complex sugars.It is found in natural dairy products that are digested by the human body with an enzyme called lactase. A small percentage of people above this enzyme. In this article, we will look at what lactose allergy is, symptoms and causes of its occurrence, and also familiarize the reader with the main methods of treating this disease.
According to statistics, this disease suffer in equaldegrees both children and adults. In both cases it is important to establish the presence of this disease as early as possible, as well as to distinguish it from allergies to milk. Because these are completely different things. So, in the case of hypersensitivity to lactose, it is not necessary to completely eliminate dairy products from the diet, but in case of an allergic reaction to milk, this is simply necessary.
Causes
Before we list the symptoms of lactose allergy in adults, let us name the causes of this reaction. The main ones are as follows:
- Генетическая предрасположенность.If one of the parents was deficient in enzymes for lactose digestion, then with a probability of up to 25%, we can say that the child will be born with this problem. The most characteristic genetic inheritance of the inhabitants of Asia.
- Sometimes symptoms of lactose allergy canmanifest only 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 symptomslactose allergies can manifest themselves due to the development in the body of other diseases associated with impaired activity of the small intestine cells, in which the above-mentioned enzyme is produced.
Symptoms
We now turn to the consideration of symptoms.this disease. Symptoms of lactose allergy must be known in order to distinguish between this disease and milk intolerance, which is so common in the adult population. Now we will understand this question.
So, lactose allergy will only be feltafter an hour or more after consuming dairy products, and milk intolerance will manifest itself after only 5-10 minutes. In most cases with lactose allergy, the following changes occur in the body:
- loose stools;
- flatulence;
- abdominal discomfort;
- the presence of pain in the stomach and intestines;
- various manifestations on the skin: rash, redness, diathesis;
- itching of the skin;
- increased body temperature;
- allergic rhinitis;
- headache of a different nature;
- in some cases, developing bronchospasm, which is most dangerous in childhood.
The most severe manifestation of lactose allergy is angioedema and anaphylactic shock. If these complications occur, medical assistance is urgently needed.
In many ways, the symptoms of lactose allergy are similar to common food poisoning. However, if time does not recognize a similar reaction, we can allow the development of a more complex form of the disease.
Allergy to galactose
В некоторых случаях аллергия возникает не на lactose, and on 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 drinking dairy products. Since in this case, the cumulative effect. When a high amount of galactose accumulates in the body of a child or an adult, the development of an allergy occurs, the complications of which are especially dangerous.
These include the following states:abnormalities of the kidneys and liver, hypoglycemia, cataracts, delayed physical and mental development of the child. If the presence of allergy to galactose is established, it is necessary to immediately stop consuming any dairy products and take steps to cleanse the body of accumulated allergens.
Do not confuse allergies with poisoning! Analysis for the determination of allergic reactions
Symptoms of lactose allergy in adultsappear almost equally in all cases. However, it is not uncommon for a person to even guess what has become the true cause of the indisposition. Since the symptoms of allergies are very easily confused with the usual poisoning. Often a person faces lactose intolerance at a rather 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 carrying out any major operations to follow the diet recommended by the doctor and include the rest of the products gradually, observing the reaction of the body.
If a person has suspicions thathis body has developed intolerance to dairy products, he can be tested for allergy to lactose. Symptoms, although they indicate the presence of a similar reaction, but because, as already mentioned, they can be confused with signs of some other disease.
Allergies in children and infants
Now let's take a closer look at howsymptoms of lactose intolerance in children. Mild intolerance to lactase is characteristic of all children older than two years. This is a completely normal age-related changes in the body. Since the need for milk is significantly reduced. It is logical to assume that with a decrease in the need for milk, there is a decrease in the production of the enzyme lactase by the body. This leads to lactose intolerance.
Since the children's body is not enoughstrong, it is difficult to cope with any diseases, including with 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 it is impossible to cope with an illness on its own. It is possible to suspect lactose intolerance in infants if the child does not stop vomiting and diarrhea after drinking milk from the mother. Some other signs should also alert the mother:
- no weight gain or slight gain;
- upset stool;
- various manifestations on the skin - rash, redness, itching;
- breast failure after 3-5 minutes of feeding;
- the child presses the legs, crying and naughty.
Allergy to lactose can manifest not only whenbreastfeeding, but also when feeding a child with artificial mixtures that contain soy or cow protein. For infants who have been diagnosed with lactose allergy, a special lactose-free diet has been developed. It is important to timely detect the problem. And also switch to lactose free mixtures to avoid delaying the development of the child and other health problems.
Особенно часто непереносимость встречается у premature babies whose gastrointestinal tract is not mature enough to produce the enzyme lactase. Babies who were born prematurely should receive increased attention from both the medical staff and the parents, especially the mother.
Diet
Treatment of lactose allergy, if giventhe disease is confirmed by a doctor, first of all it must begin with the introduction of a special diet, called elimination. Such a power system implies the complete exclusion from the diet of dairy products. It is important to know the composition of each consumed dish. Since it may not be visible the presence of milk, but it will be present. To facilitate the task, you can make a notebook in which all consumed products will be recorded and the body's reaction to them. Depending on the severity of allergy, dairy products may be allowed in small quantities to an adult. Since in them most of the lactose is destroyed by bacteria.
Preparations
Если же больной не заметил наличие молока в any product and an allergic reaction already takes place, you must seek medical help, where appropriate measures will be taken to cleanse the body. For these purposes, enterosorbent preparations are used, and to relieve symptoms a drug such as Semiticon may be recommended. If the symptoms of allergy are expressed slightly, the patient may take a dose of enzyme supplements containing lactase, which should always be in his first aid kit.
Symptoms of Lactose Allergy in Children Maybring them much greater discomfort than adults. Therefore, it is very important to help the baby in a timely manner. Especially for children, the enzyme supplement “Lactase Baby” has been developed, which can be used at the age of 0 to 7 years.
Prevention
В целях профилактики развития аллергии на лактозу Doctors recommend limiting the use of products that contain raw milk. The body of an adult absorbs dairy products much faster. Therefore, they should give preference.
Finally
Now you know what lactose allergy is.The causes, symptoms, treatment and other nuances of this disease are all important topics discussed in detail in our article. And remember that any disease should be known in person, especially when it comes to allergies, the symptoms of which can often be similar to other conditions.
