They say the reaction of the immune system to milk proteins and milk products is a milk allergy. These are signs and symptoms that will appear while the child is an infant. This affects the digestive system along with skin and airways. Milk allergies can be life-threatening to infants if not recognized and something is done about it. Infants who develop milk allergies are usually put on soy milk by the family doctor.
They say that Lactose intolerance shows up a couple of years later and is caused by the body not being able to break down the milk sugar lactose. This affects digestion and causes symptoms such as bloating, gas, and loose bowels. This occurs only after drinking milk or eating dairy products. This is not a serious intolerance and many people can still drink milk or dairy products in small amounts and not really feel any symptoms.
If a child or adult is found to be milk-allergic, it is best to know that not all “milk-free” labels are misleading, and they still can have milk protein in it. Some of the soy cheeses that are labeled as milk-free can still have some milk in them, so read the labels very carefully.
Many non-dairy foods can be substituted for milk or milk products. Be aware, however, that just because a food is labeled "nondairy," it does not necessarily mean that it is milk free. Even a "milk-free" label can be misleading. For example, some soy cheeses claim to be milk-free but may still contain milk protein. That's why it's always important to read all food labels when you have a milk-allergic child.