Sensitivity to milk

Here, sensitivity to milk means lactose intolerance: insufficient lactase means milk sugar causes bowel symptoms. This differs from cow’s milk allergy, where the immune system reacts to milk protein and anaphylaxis can sometimes occur.

• A bloated abdomen and rumbling bowels after consuming lactose.
• Abdominal cramps or pain within a few hours of milk or a lactose-containing product.
• Keep a food and symptom diary without immediately cutting out all dairy.
• After consultation, try small amounts and increase only while symptoms remain acceptable.
• Make an appointment if bowel symptoms recur often, the diet becomes increasingly restricted or the diagnosis is uncertain.
• For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.