It’s one of most common food allergies. Do not confuse it with lactose intolerance.
What is milk allergy?
Milk allergy is the most common type of food allergy seen in children. It is the abnormal response of the body’s immune system to milk and milk products. Cow’s milk is generally the cause, though it can also occur when sheep, goat or buffalo’s milk is consumed.
Causes and risk factors of milk allergy
- Infants exposed to cow’s milk before they are 6 months may develop an allergy, as their immune systems are not well developed to digest cow’s milk. Hence, pediatricians recommend that breast milk is most ideal for infants up to at least 6 months, after which cow’s milk can be introduced in diluted form.
- One develops milk allergy due to two proteins; casein found in the solid portion of the milk and whey or milk plasma found in the liquid portion of the milk. Casein is the protein that commonly causes allergy to milk and milk products.
- Children are likely to develop milk allergy as their systems are not as well developed as that of adults.
- Children allergic to milk may also develop other conditions like hay fever (allergic reaction to dust mites, pollen or pet dander) and other foods like eggs, soya, peanuts, beef.
- If either of the parents have a history of food allergy or other types of allergies like eczema, asthma or hay fever, then there are higher chances of developing milk allergy.
- Children, who have chronic inflammation of the skin, called atopic dermatitis (a type of eczema) are more likely to have a milk allergy too.
Symptoms and signs of milk allergy:
Immediate symptoms – these occur a few minutes after drinking milk.
- Urticaria or hives
- Wheezing
- Vomiting
Delayed symptoms – these occur a few hours after consuming milk.
- Abdominal cramps
- Loose stools
- Diarrhoea
- Runny nose
- Coughing
- Itchy rash around the mouth
- Colic, in the case of infants
The most serious symptom is anaphylaxis, which can cause swelling in the throat and breathing difficulties, and can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated immediately.
Diagnosing milk allergy
If you suspect a milk or food allergy, see your family doctor. You may be recommended to an allergist or immunologist to find out the cause of the allergy.
Milk allergy is different from lactose intolerance. The latter does not involve the immune system and causes symptoms like gas, bloating and diarrhoea.
Treatment for milk allergy
- Avoiding milk is the best and safest treatment. Generally, children outgrow milk allergy by 3 years of age. One can try substituting milk with soy milk in this case; however, most people with milk allergy are found to be allergic to soy too.
- If you have milk allergy and have unwittingly consumed milk, take an antihistaminic, immediately to control the symptoms. If the reaction is severe, an epinephrine shot followed by a visit to the hospital is a must.
How to prevent milk allergy?
If you know you’re allergic to milk, pay attention to the following:
- Read food labels, accurately before buying. Sometimes tuna and meat also contain casein (a protein found in milk).
- While ordering at a restaurant, expressly state that you have a milk allergy and cannot have milk or milk products like cheese or cottage cheese in your food.
- Avoid dairy products like yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese, butter, buttermilk and all forms of milk like skimmed milk, toned milk or full cream milk.
- Also remember to stay away from food stuff that have milk like chocolate, caramel, nougat and anything that begins with ‘lact’, for example: lactate or lactose. Look out when buying baked goods, processed meat and breakfast cereals.
Written by Dr. Nisreen Nakhoda, general practitioner
Photograph via sxc.hu
