>In a message dated 9/29/98 3:41:42 PM Central Daylight Time,
>[log in to unmask] writes:
>
><< If it is to proteins as well as lactose, it is likely an allergy, either
> IgE-mediated or IgG-mediated. >>
>
>Is lactose a protien?

It's a sugar. But not *all* reactions are to proteins, and not all lactose
is completely protein-free.

>Can you be allergic to lactose or only intolerant?
>Could a person allergic to milk possibly use the drugs (like the pill form of
>Zyrtec) with lactose in it but not the other protiens?  Or is there whey and
>caesin in lactose?

I personally have trouble with lactose in pills. I tried, but I just
couldn't tolerate them. Mostly lower GI symptoms, but it doesn't matter to
me whether it's allergy or LI - I just can't use them. Some might...

>
>Also, does anyone know if allergy testing (any type) distinquishes between
>caesin and whey and any other form of milk protiens?  I have one child
>allergic to milk (discovered through  an elimination diet).  Would it do any
>good to have her tested to find out she could possibly have the phony cheese
>with caesin in it?  Or do these tests only find a milk allergy in general.
>
Casein can be tested separately from other milk proteins. We tried that for
Josh in an attempt to get him some soy cheeses, Cool Whip, and some
non-dairy creamers. No such luck. Tested positive. Tried thesoy cheese
anyway (or is it anywhey?)  - no discernible reaction, but he didn't eat
enough to warrant a reaction - he hated it. Doesn't it just frost you when
there's a food that they might be able to eat, except they just don't like
it? Sheesh.

Mark

____________________________________________________________
Mark Feblowitz                  GTE Laboratories Incorporated
[log in to unmask]              40 Sylvan Road, Waltham, MA 02154-1120