“I have a peanut intolerance.”
Usage Entry 1448 / 1605 60-second read
Allergy vs. Intolerance
An immune-system reaction versus a non-immune digestive reaction.
The comparisoni
“I have a peanut allergy — peanut reactions are immune-mediated and can be life-threatening. INTOLERANCES (lactose, gluten in non-coeliacs) are digestive, not immune.”
The ruleii
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ALLERGY = immune. INTOLERANCE = digestion.
ALLERGY: the immune system reacts (histamine, anaphylaxis possible). INTOLERANCE: the body lacks an enzyme or processes a food poorly (lactose intolerance lacks lactase). Misdiagnosis can be dangerous — anaphylaxis isn't an "intolerance."
Memory aidiii
Remember it like this
Allergy = immune. Intolerance = stomach.