We try, as a matter of policy, to avoid lactose-buffered medications if at
all possible. Our belief is that, since my son and I are both allergic to
dairy proteins, we don't want to take unnecessary risks.

Unfortunately, his asthma has been bad enough that he has to take
Singulair, which contains lactose. we're not sure whether or how much of an
issue that is for him, because he's on a maximum dose of Allergra for his
pruritis and rhinitis. It also may mask minor symptoms that *might* be
triggered.

My case is different. In addition to my dairy allergy, I am also lactose
intolerant. And I'm not sure if it's a manifestation of the lactose
intolerance or the dairy allergy, but if I take any medication or vitamin
that is buffered in lactose, in addition to the "usual" symptoms, I
gradually develop severe joint inflammation. This has happened in cases
where I was aware of the lactose content of the pills and also when I was
unaware. The inflammation rapidly goes into remission when the lactose is
removed and stays in remission until the next exposure. I'm not certain
about the specific cause, although I've often thought is was some kind of
"leaky gut" reaction.

Given our history, I would be *very* hesitant to take any powdered inhaler
that contained lactose. I have noted that broncospasm, hives, etc., are
listed as side effects of such medicine. I wonder how many of these people
are allergic to dairy.

Mark