What’s the difference between lactose intolerance and milk allergy?

Lactose intolerance occurs when the body has difficulty digesting lactose, the sugar in milk, due to low levels of the enzyme lactase. Symptoms typically include bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort after consuming dairy. In contrast, a milk allergy is an immune response to milk proteins (casein or whey) and can cause symptoms ranging from mild (rashes, digestive upset) to severe (anaphylaxis). For diagnosis, your paediatrician may conduct tests, such as a lactose tolerance test for intolerance or an allergy test for milk proteins, and recommend suitable dietary adjustments.