Dr. Shyam Kalyan. N
Otolaryngology (E.N.T)
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Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I have been on a vegan diet for the last five years. I tried a dairy product on a vacation and noticed a mild scratchiness on my tongue and mouth in some instances. I was able to eat different kinds of dairy products but I had gastrointestinal disturbances. I again started a vegan diet but I just recently tried a milk chocolate candy and noticed the same mild scratchiness. I have never had any issues with dairy products previously so I am wondering if have I developed lactose intolerance or if could this be an allergy.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
As I understand you are having this issue everytime you consume dairy products. Other than the mentioned symptoms, are there any other symptoms like bloating, gas, loose stools, or pain while passing stools?
Kindly revert for further queries.
Regards.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for your reply.
I have had dairy products for my entire life with no issues and then I started with a vegan diet five years ago. This started after I was vegan for three years. It does not happen every time I consume milk, but It seems to be dependent on what I am consuming. I noticed it three separate times, once with cheddar popcorn, twice with multi-coloured button-shaped chocolates and once with deep-fried potatoes that have a milk product in them. I have consumed other milk products and have not had the scratchiness with mozzarella, baked goods with milk and cheddar. When I ingested large amounts of it two years ago, I did have some gastrointestinal disturbances which were bloating and diarrhea. I should also mention that I am on inhalation tablet Advair for asthma which has lactose in it.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Most likely this is because your body is no longer producing the enzymes to digest these products. It need not necessarily mean an allergy to milk or lactose intolerance. With a few years gap, some changes must have occurred by which those particular enzymes are not getting produced by your digestive system. I would suggest you keep avoiding these products. When you want to start, start in a very slow fashion. To start with, I suggest you start having it leaving a few days gap every time and then gradually bring it up to the normal consumption levels.
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Otolaryngology (E.N.T)
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