Lactose Intolerance or Dairy Allergy?

So I've been trying to figure out if I have lactose intolerance or a dairy allergy. This is a non-scientific experiment on my part where I've been feeling out the differences. For those if you looking for information though, here's some background:

Lactose Intolerance refers to the body's ability to digest lactose (natural milk sugar). This is fairly common in adults (tends to run in families), and actually more likely to show up as you age (even suddenly). Biologically, mammals do not consume milk once they are weened. Humans are the only mammal to continue to drink milk (and milk of other mammals at that), so it is not surprising that as we age and gain a solid diet we become intolerant. Lactose intolerance occurs when the small intestine does not produce enough of the enzyme lactase to break down and digest lactose. The symptoms can be mild or severe, and can include bloating, abdominal pain/cramps, gas, noisy stomach, loose stools/diarrhea, or vomiting. These symptoms typically occur within 2 hours. You can be tested to confirm, but there is no cure and treatment can include taking the lactase enzyme when eating dairy or refraining from lactose in your diet (which now, due to scientific advancements, does not necessarily mean a dairy-free diet).

Dairy Allergy refers to your immune system seeing the milk proteins (casein and/or whey) as foreign invaders. Often those with a cow milk allergy also have an allergy to sheep and goat milk (although you can have your doctor check this for you with tests). There is also some small correlation between dairy and soy allergies. Family history, atopic dermatitis, other allergies, and age (young children are more likely to be allergic) are all factors in the likelihood of developing a milk allergy. As with intolerance, the symptoms can be mild or severe. They can include hives/itchy skin rash, coughing/wheezing, swelling of lips/throat, runny nose, watery eyes,vomiting, loose stools/diarrhea, bloody stools, or abdominal pain/cramps. However there are more concerns such as cross contamination and anaphylaxis (a medical emergency, the signs of which include difficulty breathing, facial flush, itching, and shock). While these symptoms are usually instant, there can be a delayed allergic reaction. There is no cure or medication, and a dairy-free diet is required. Epinephrine may be required if symptoms become severe.

Aside of these, it is also possible to have a milk protein intolerance. Chron's Disease is often confused with lactose intolerance as well.

For me, most of my reactions are digestive which certainly point towards intolerance. However, I also have been suspecting dairy is a migraine trigger, which certainly can be its own thing unrelated to either intolerance or allergy, but it also could be an indicator of an allergy. Using Lactaid solo has become very ineffective (especially the pills, which I and a friend both find to work less than the chewables). Lactaid and Benedryl in combination seem to be working. At least the digestive issues are almost gone, and the migraines are not occurring. Benedryl itself has been undetermined...certainly helping with the headaches, but hit or miss with GI.

I may go in and get tested, but the results are definitely causing me to lean 1 way. I do not want to be taking Benedryl on a regular basis, so it may be time to start exploring dairy-free options. This will certainly be tricky as the BF loves milk and dairy. I am certainly a fan of cheese and ice cream too, so it will be an adventure!



Update: As of July 2016, I have begun to notice more symptoms indicating an allergy: itchy arms, stuffy sinuses, and runny nose. Due to some work w/ my GP, I've also realized the stuffy sinuses could have been precursors to my migraines (I have a very high pain tolerance, but have been instructed to make an active effort to identify headaches before they progress to migraines). Yes, yes...I am a very stubborn person and thought I could mitigate the symptoms, but over the years it has progressively gotten worse and I am now hunkering down and truly exploring alternatives.