Milk intolerance: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services if milk is followed by trouble breathing, throat or tongue swelling, fainting, severe wheezing, or rapidly worsening symptoms.

   These are not typical signs of lactose intolerance and may indicate a serious allergic reaction.

   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek prompt medical help for severe diarrhoea or signs of dehydration, particularly in a baby, an older person, or someone with another illness.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Arrange a routine medical appointment if:

   • symptoms keep returning or affect daily life
   • you are unsure whether the problem is intolerance or allergy
   • symptoms continue despite reducing lactose
   • you have unexplained weight loss or ongoing vomiting
   • there is blood in the stool
   • a baby has feeding problems, poor growth, persistent diarrhoea, or blood in the stool
   • avoiding dairy makes it difficult to maintain a balanced diet
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Milk intolerance. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.