Frederic Melton
Cheese intolerance can be caused by an inability to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk and dairy products, or an allergy to the proteins in cheese, such as casein. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include bloating, gas, cramps, and diarrhea, which can occur 30 minutes to two hours after consuming cheese or other dairy products. On the other hand, a cheese allergy is an immune response that can cause symptoms such as hives, stomach upset, or breathing difficulties. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and usually appear within minutes to a few hours after consuming cheese. It is important to distinguish between a cheese allergy and lactose intolerance, as an allergic reaction can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
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What You'll Learn
Bloating, gas, and stomach cramps
The severity of symptoms can vary from person to person and can change over time. For some people with lactose intolerance, consuming as little as 3 grams of lactose can be enough to cause symptoms. However, many people can tolerate up to 12 grams of lactose, the amount found in one cup of milk.
Lactose intolerance occurs when your small intestine doesn't produce enough of an enzyme (lactase) to digest milk sugar (lactose). Normally, lactase turns milk sugar into two simple sugars—glucose and galactose—which are absorbed into the bloodstream through the intestinal lining. If you're lactase deficient, lactose in your food moves into the colon instead of being processed and absorbed.
It's important to note that stomach pain and bloating can also result from other causes, such as overeating, infections, medications, and other illnesses. If you frequently experience symptoms of lactose intolerance after eating dairy foods, it's recommended that you consult a doctor, especially if you're concerned about getting enough calcium.
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Diarrhea and nausea
Lactose intolerance can cause a range of digestive symptoms, including diarrhea, nausea, bloating, abdominal cramps, and intestinal gas. These symptoms can be uncomfortable, but they are not dangerous. They typically occur 30 minutes to 2 hours after consuming lactose and can last up to a day or two.
The severity of symptoms depends on the amount of lactose consumed and the individual's level of lactase deficiency. Some people may be able to tolerate small amounts of lactose without experiencing any issues. Hard cheeses, such as parmesan, have lower levels of lactose, so some people with lactose intolerance may be able to consume them without problems.
If you suspect lactose intolerance, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and guidance. They may recommend dietary changes, such as reducing lactose intake or trying lactose-free alternatives, to manage symptoms.
It is worth noting that lactose intolerance is different from a milk allergy, which is an immune response to milk proteins and can be severe and life-threatening.
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Vomiting
The symptoms of lactose intolerance, including vomiting, are caused by the presence of undigested lactose in the large intestine. This can lead to an increase in water and gas production, resulting in stomach pain, bloating, and diarrhoea. Vomiting associated with lactose intolerance typically occurs early in the digestive process when the lactose is still in the stomach. It is important to note that the symptoms of lactose intolerance can vary significantly between individuals, depending on their sensitivity to lactose.
The onset of symptoms, including vomiting, usually occurs within 30 minutes to 2 hours after consuming lactose-containing foods. However, it is worth mentioning that the time frame can vary, and in some cases, symptoms may appear up to a day or two after consuming lactose. This delayed onset is because it takes time for the food to reach the large intestine, where the undigested lactose interacts with the normal bacteria, leading to the symptoms of lactose intolerance.
While vomiting can be a distressing symptom, lactose intolerance is generally not considered dangerous. The symptoms can usually be managed by reducing the intake of lactose-containing foods or avoiding them altogether. Fermented dairy products, such as yogurt and certain cheeses, tend to be better tolerated by people with lactose intolerance, so these may be suitable alternatives to meet calcium requirements. However, it is always advisable to consult a doctor or healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance.
It is important to distinguish lactose intolerance from a milk allergy, as the latter can be life-threatening. A milk allergy is an immune response to a milk protein, whereas lactose intolerance is a digestive issue. Accurate diagnosis is crucial, especially for children, to ensure appropriate management and treatment.
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Skin issues like hives
Hives, also known as urticaria, are raised, itchy red bumps or welts on the skin that appear in varying shapes and sizes. They can be extremely uncomfortable and cause a stinging or burning sensation. Hives can appear anywhere on the body, including the face, neck, chest, arms, and legs. In some cases, they may even be accompanied by angioedema, which is swelling beneath the skin, particularly around the eyes and lips.
The onset of hives due to cheese allergy can vary, ranging from a few minutes to a few hours after consuming cheese or dairy products. The appearance of hives may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as itching, redness, or a rash. In some cases, hives may also be a symptom of lactose intolerance, which is the inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. However, hives are more commonly associated with a cheese allergy, which is a separate condition from lactose intolerance.
It is important to note that skin issues like hives can vary in severity and may be indicative of a more serious allergic reaction. If you experience hives along with other symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips or throat, or gastrointestinal issues, seek medical attention immediately. An allergist can confirm a cheese allergy through testing, and mild symptoms like hives can often be treated with antihistamines.
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Breathing difficulties
It is important to distinguish between a cheese allergy and lactose intolerance. While the symptoms may overlap, lactose intolerance does not involve the immune system and is not life-threatening.
Cheese intolerance is typically caused by an inability to properly digest lactose or proteins like casein found in cheese. Symptoms include bloating, gas, cramps, and diarrhea after cheese consumption.
On the other hand, a cheese allergy is an immune response to the proteins in milk. Symptoms of a cheese allergy can range from mild to severe and usually appear within minutes to a few hours after consuming cheese or dairy products.
If you suspect you have a cheese allergy or intolerance, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper testing and diagnosis.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese intolerance is a condition in which a person is unable to properly digest lactose or proteins like casein, which are found in cheese.
Cheese intolerance can cause bloating, gas, cramps, and diarrhea after consuming cheese.
A cheese allergy is an immune response to the proteins in milk, whereas cheese intolerance is a digestive disorder. A cheese allergy can be life-threatening, whereas cheese intolerance is not.
Symptoms of a cheese allergy can include hives, stomach upset, wheezing, or even anaphylaxis.
Symptoms of cheese intolerance usually appear within 30 minutes to two hours after consuming cheese or other dairy products.
