Abstract
Background: Generally, children who are allergic to cow's milk can consume lactose. Some people however, suggest that both cow's milk and lactose should be completely eliminated. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the results of 42 oral food challenges (OFC) on lactose, performed at Sagamihara National Hospital between 2007 and 2013. The total dose was 3g of lactose. When the objective symptoms appeared to be strong, the results of the OFC were considered positive, and when objective symptoms or subjective symptoms appeared to be mild, the results were considered uncertain. In all other situations, the OFC result was considered negative. Results: In total, 19 patients had anaphylaxis to cow's milk. Their median age was 53 months. The OFC result was positive in 2 patients (5%), of whom one had vomited twice and the other had urticaria. The others could freely consume lactose. Conclusions: The lactose OFCs were performed safely without severe symptoms. Therefore it is important to confirm that children with cow's milk allergy can consume lactose.
