Protect Yourself With Knowledge About Dairy Allergies
While dairy should be healthy and beneficial, for many people the consumption of dairy can lead to a wide variety of symptoms and health problems. Dairy allergies can be quite severe for those who suffer from them, but unfortunately such allergies are often misunderstood. Frequently, an allergy to dairy is confused with another dairy related condition; lactose intolerance.
An allergy does differ from an intolerance to certain foods; in this case, dairy. In its most severe form an allergy can result in serious problems, even death. An intolerance to certain types of food typically only cause some type of physical discomfort. In the case of lactose intolerance, the body is not able to break down the sugar enzyme that is found in milk. Due to the inability of the body to break down this enzyme, it can be difficult to digest. This can lead to a number of physical discomforts such as stomach pains, bloating and/or diarrhoea.
An individual that suffers from a dairy allergy will experience a far more serious reaction. Such symptoms can include asthma, bleeding or pneumonia. In very serious cases someone who suffers from a dairy allergy many experience anaphylaxis. The primary difference between an intolerance and an allergy is that allergies are the result of food allergens that trigger allergic reactions.
There are two ways in which dairy allergies can be diagnosed. One of the most common methods for diagnosing an allergic reaction to dairy is to keep a food journal. This can be an important part of conducting an elimination diet by tracking and then systematically eliminating foods that are suspected of causing reactions. This is typically conducted over a period of several weeks until relevant symptoms either decrease or possibly disappear. This type of testing is typically conducted under the supervision of an allergist or physician. Another method for diagnosing a dairy allergy is through blood and skin testing with a physician or an allergist.
When not properly diagnosed, dairy allergies can be quite serious and can result in severe medical problems. This is why it is always best to seek the advice of an experienced physician. In most instances, individuals who are allergic to dairy will need to avoid it altogether. For persons who must avoid dairy, there are many dairy alternatives, including soy.
An epinephrine is often necessary when an individual that is allergic to dairy accidentally ingests it. One of the most common types of epinephrine is the EpiPen, which delivers an emergency dosage of epinephrine. Such treatment can be life-saving for persons with a very severe dairy allergy who may go into anaphylactic shock after ingesting dairy.
Exercising vigilance is extremely important for persons with a dairy allergy as even products that may seem to be dairy free may actually contain dairy products. This is why it is important to use care in reading all food labels and becoming knowledgeable about the ways in which foods are labelled. It is also important to be cautious about asking questions regarding ingredients and the ways in which dishes are prepared when dining out.
Dairy allergies do not need to define your life, but it is important to educate yourself and understand the best ways in which to protect yourself to live a life free from potentially fatal symptoms associated with a dairy allergy.
About the Author
This article is resourced from information provided by Rice Dream, which is a dairy alternative, designed for dairy allergy and intolerance sufferers. http://www.ricedream.co.uk
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