A milk allergy is a common food allergy predominantly affecting children. Sadly, without the appropriate food allergy treatment, milk has the potential to cause a number of symptoms ranging from mild to severe. However, taking the right precautions will drastically reduce the danger to both adults and children. Here are some of the milk allergy signs Atlanta parents should know.
Common Milk Allergy Signs
An important key to identifying a milk allergy is the time between consumption of cow’s milk (or products containing milk) and the actual allergic reaction. Some allergic reactions occur immediately, while others could take hours from the point of consumption.
Immediate Signs of a Milk Allergy
- Skin conditions – Hives, redness or a rash.
- Breathing issues – Shortness of breath, chest tightness and coughing.
- Swelling – Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat.
- Vomiting – Possibly accompanied by nausea.
- Anaphylaxis – In severe cases, milk can be a cause of anaphylaxis.
Delayed Signs of a Milk Allergy
- Runny nose – Excess mucus production.
- Diarrhea – Possibility of loose stools or diarrhea.
- Stomach pains – Stomach cramps and persistent pain.
- Watery eyes – Possibly including an itchy sensation.
- Colic – Experienced by infants.
Do Milk Allergy Symptoms Change?
Milk allergy symptoms, along with other food allergies, are unpredictable. An initial reaction may be fairly mild, but a subsequent reaction could lead to anaphylaxis. Therefore, until you have consulted with an allergist, you may want to eliminate milk from your diet. For many children, milk allergies can be outgrown, but there are no guarantees, therefore, it is important to maintain caution.
Are the Signs of a Milk Allergy the Same as Milk Intolerance?
A milk allergy and milk intolerance can appear to share similar symptoms. However, milk intolerance varies greatly as it doesn’t affect the immune system. A milk allergy is an overreaction by the immune system to proteins in milk entering the system. Intolerance is a digestive issue caused by an inability to digest lactose contained in milk and dairy products. Intolerance usually causes bloating, stomach pains and sickness a few hours after milk consumption.
What Can You Do If You Have a Milk Allergy?
If you or your child experience an allergic reaction, it is important to avoid milk until your allergist has provided a comprehensive diagnosis. First, pay attention to product ingredients and avoid all dairy. You could consider switching to almond milk (if there are no nut allergies) or coconut milk as an alternative. Next, contact your allergist for allergy testing to confirm your suspicions. Upon confirmation, your allergist can provide an appropriate treatment plan to reduce the risk of allergic reactions.
Treat the Signs of a Milk Allergy
Have you suffered the symptoms of a milk allergy? Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center, we diagnose and treat all types of food allergies from our locations in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Druid Hills, Duluth and Johns Creek. For an appointment, call (678) 668-4688 or request help online.