Cow’s milk is one of the most common food allergens in Atlanta children and often begins in infancy, shortly after starting formula. Without professional milk allergy care, your child could be at risk of hives, vomiting, wheezing and swelling within minutes of consuming dairy. Fortunately, if you notice symptoms after milk exposure, there are steps you can take to manage the allergy and help keep your child safe.
How Parents Can Support a Child With a Milk Allergy
Without dairy, a child may struggle to get enough nutrients needed for bone growth and overall healthy development. Here are some top tips to help parents manage their child’s milk allergy.
Visit an Allergist for Milk Allergy Testing
You may assume that cow’s milk is responsible for your child’s allergy, but it takes a professional diagnosis to know for sure. Allergists typically use skin prick testing to evaluate how a person’s immune system reacts to allergen exposure. Following this process will ensure an appropriate response to the allergy.
Plan Meals to Prevent Dairy Exposure
You can check food labels for allergens, since products as varied as cheese, yogurt, butter, cereals, sauces and crackers are all likely to contain milk in some form. Until you have visited an allergist for further guidance, it’s vital to avoid exposure to milk and dairy products.
Recognize the Symptoms of a Milk Allergy
Pay attention to the signs of a milk allergy in case your child is accidentally exposed to an allergen. The most common symptoms include hives, itching, swelling, coughing, vomiting and shortness of breath. In rare cases a child may experience anaphylaxis, characterized by throat tightness and severe breathing difficulties.
Carry Emergency Medication for Milk Allergies
Children should have an epinephrine auto-injector nearby at all times to use in the event of an anaphylactic episode. Parents can keep the medication at home, and carry it when the family goes out or travels. Children should also have emergency medication at school in case of a severe reaction to milk.
Communicate With Your Child’s School
After a milk allergy diagnosis, provide your child’s school with documentation from an allergist. Make the severity of the allergy clear to teachers, and ask how allergies are managed at the school cafeteria. You could also provide your child with safe snacks and explain the risks of sharing food with friends.
Develop a Milk Allergy Treatment Plan
An allergy plan can help families cope with milk allergies and reduce the threat from allergic reactions. Your allergist can advise you on foods you’ll need to avoid, and also discuss when further testing may be needed to identify whether an allergy has been outgrown. Effective allergy treatments (such as medication and oral immunotherapy treatment) can also deliver long-term relief.
Pediatric Milk Allergy Care in the Atlanta Area
If your child is dealing with milk allergy symptoms, Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center can help. We provide food allergy testing and treatment services at locations across the Atlanta area. Call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment now.
