Categories: Food Allergy

Milk Allergy Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment

Milk allergy is very important mainly in children. In fact it is one of the most common allergies in children. Milk allergy can occur to goat milk, buffalo milk, sheep milk and other mammal’s milk.

Sometimes milk allergy is confused with milk intolerance which is not an allergy.

Sources of Milk

Sources of allergy causing milk proteins are mainly found in dairy products, including:

Whole milk, low-fat milk ,butter milk, skimed milk
Cheese and anything that contains cheese
Ice cream, gelato
Butter
Yogurt

Milk in different forms are used in several ingredient in processed foods, including baked goods and processed meats. Few hidden sources of milk include:

Whey
Casein
Protein powders
Hydrolysates
Artificial cheese flavor and butter flavor
Candies, such as chocolate, nougat and caramel
Ingredients with prefix “lact” — such as lactose and lactate

Milk Allergy Symptoms

The most common symptoms include:

Itching in and around the mouth
Tingling sensation around mouth
Swelling of the lips, tongue, face, throat
Swelling other parts of the body
Hives, itching or eczema
Cough, wheezing or respiratory difficulty
Nasal congestion
Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting

Milk Allergy Causes

Cow’s milk contains two main proteins which are responsible for allergic reactions. These include:

Casein, found in the solid part (curd) of milk that curdles
Whey, found in the liquid part of milk that remains after milk curdles

An individual can have allergy to one or both of the proteins. Less commonly, people allergic to cow’s milk are also allergic to soy milk.

Milk Allergy Diagnosis

Symptoms.

symptoms you are experiencing.

Family history of allergies.

other family members are suffering from any form of allergic disorders.

A physical examination.

A skin prick test.

A positive prick test only indicates the people is sensitization.

A blood test.

A blood test can performed to measure the allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE).

Elimination diet.

Oral food challenge.

Milk Allergy Treatment

Avoidance is the best preventive measure.
However, an individual may unknowingly come in contact with the food and lead to an allergic reaction.
Mild to moderate allergic reaction: over-the-counter or prescribed antihistamines are helpful.
Severe allergic reaction: If there is severe reaction or anaphylaxis one must inject adrenaline/ epinephrine in an appropriate dosage.

If someone has adrenaline autoinjector then he can use it otherwise one has to attend the nearest hospital as early as possible.

One must carry his adrenaline autoinjector all the time if an allergist prescribed it.

Milk Allergy vs Milk intolerance

Some persons may develop indigestion, gaseous distention of abdomen or diarrhea after taking some food. This may not be due to food allergy but another condition called food intolerance. Milk intolerance is not immunologically mediated and it is less severe than allergy.

Q & A on Milk Allergy

What are the symptoms of a milk allergy in adults?

Symptoms are similar to any allergic reactions like itching, urticaria etc

Can you all of a sudden become allergic to milk?

Yes it can occur

What is allergy to milk called?

Called Milk Allergy

Is a milk allergy the same as lactose intolerance?

No they are different. See above article for details

Milk allergy treatment

Mild to moderate allergic reaction: over-the-counter or prescribed antihistamines
Severe allergic reaction: injection adrenaline/ epinephrine in an appropriate dosage.

Milk allergy in adults