how to tell a true milk allergy from lactose intollerance?

[HisLady]

My two sons both had problem digesting milk when they were babies, had to put them both on soy formula. But they grew out of it, at like 2 and 3 years old they were able to drink cow's milk no problem. But the last bout of the flu we had seemed to mess them both up. Every time they eat cereal with milk for breakfast before school, they either vomit and have diahhrea. My husband had this problem when he was little, and my own mother is lactose intollerant. They can drink milk any other time of the day, have cereal in the evenings no problem.

My question is....does anybody happen to know why this happens? Would this be a milk allergy or lactose intollerance?

Just curious about this, as it seems rather odd to me. The body is very mysterious!
Thanks for all the answers!! I've decided to try vanilla soy milk for his cereal in the morning. We'll see how it goes!

[shedahudda]

milk allergy is from the milk protein whereas lactose intolerance is from the lactose.
an allergy will manifest as breathing difficulties and hives and itchiness. Lactose intolerance is shown by stomach issues.

The possible reason why they are having trouble only at breakfast is that it does take time for the stomach to "wake up".
i suspect it is just a little sensitive in the mornings as you say it is ok later in the day. I presume when you say flu that we were talking of stomach flu??

Why not try soy milk in their cereal? It is a little sweeter than cos milk but that shouldn't be a problem.

Good luck

[shaneris2]

I'm not sure, but try them on goat's milk, in the morning: the molecules are approximately human sized, and generally better tolerated.