How is an allergy vs intol diagnosed?

[Anonymous]

My doc said Catelin was “allergic” to her milk simply from the blood in her stool. As I read on however, it seems as though the blood in stool has been common on these boards-even for babies with intolerance. What am I missing???

[Anonymous]

I think (not sure) that for us, we knew and called it intolerance because both boys were so EXTREMELY fussy on every milk/soy based formulas and it went away with Neocate. I would consider an “allergy” if you have typical “allergy” symptoms like allergy rash, blood in stool, etc…

I think I would have thought the same as you that blood in stool would have been more of an allergy than intolerance, but I could be wrong…..

[Anonymous]

I feel like I can’t get any straight answers from ANY of our doctors…

[Anonymous]

An allergy is officially diagnosed through blood or skin prick tests. Allergies involve IgE reactions from the immune system. Intolerances do not involve any immune system reactions. Most of the time, intolerances stem from the lack of enzymes needed to break down the proteins in things such as milk, soy, gluten. Intolerances are diagnosed through fecal hemoccult tests (testing stool for blood) and through food challenges. Basically, a food challenge is to eliminate certain foods (milk, soy, etc) and see if the symptoms improve.

[hellbennt]

allergy can also be found via endoscopy where they biopsy cells from the esophogus. if eos cells are found, it’s an allergy…

[Anonymous]

blood in stool can be both. i would only say its an allergy if they have been “tested” for it..and it showed up positive. which at this age is unlikely anyhow. i would just stick with they cant tolerate it..and stay away as long as possible. then around 1 you can start allergy testing.. though it still might not show up.

[Anonymous]

My experience is…it really doesn’t matter…at least for now. You treat them the same regardless of allergy vs. intolerance. Avoid it.

If it were a true allergy, you would probably see more ‘normal’ allergy symtpoms, such as rash, breathing issues etc. Intolerances are often delayed intestinal reactions. Babies usually grow out of intolerances as the digestive system matures and they begin to create more digestive enzymes.

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