Signs of a Milk Allergy: An Overview
Dairy allergies, an immune response to proteins found in animal milk, can affect both infants and adults. This article aims to provide a clear understanding of the symptoms, diagnosis, and management strategies for dairy allergies.
Prevalence
Dairy allergies are more common in infants, with approximately 2-5% of babies affected, making it the most common food allergy in this age group [1][5]. As children grow older, the prevalence of dairy allergies significantly decreases, falling to around 0.6% in adults [1].
Symptoms
In infants, symptoms of a dairy allergy can include recurrent skin rashes such as urticaria or eczema, respiratory symptoms like wheezing, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and colic (in infants) [3].
Adults, on the other hand, typically experience symptoms within an hour of consumption. These can include hives, wheezing, itching or tingling around the mouth or lips, swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, coughing or shortness of breath, vomiting, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis [2][4].
Management Strategies
For infants, diagnosis involves a careful history, symptom observation, and sometimes allergy testing. The key to management is the avoidance of cow’s milk protein, often requiring the use of hypoallergenic formulas such as extensively hydrolysed or amino acid-based formulas [5][3]. Most children outgrow the allergy by age five, so regular reassessment is important.
Adults should identify and strictly avoid milk and dairy products. Antihistamines are commonly used to treat allergic reactions, and epinephrine auto-injectors are prescribed for those at risk of anaphylaxis [4]. Adults developing allergies later may require evaluation for triggers such as cross-reactivity with pollens or changes in gut barrier function [2].
Understanding the Allergic Response
When an individual with a dairy allergy consumes dairy, their body recognizes the protein and produces antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE). This triggers the release of certain chemicals, such as histamines, resulting in an allergic reaction [6].
Dairy Allergy vs. Lactose Intolerance
While dairy allergies and lactose intolerance often present with similar symptoms, there is a key difference. A dairy allergy causes the body to have an immune reaction, while lactose intolerance is an issue with the digestive system [7].
Prevention and Precautions
To avoid a serious reaction, individuals should check food ingredients, ask about food preparation, and take precautions when eating at a restaurant or outside of the home. Factors that may increase the likelihood of having a dairy allergy include age, family history, no pets in the home, shorter period of breastfeeding, presence of other allergies, and food before 4 months old [8].
It is crucial for individuals with dairy allergies, especially those with severe reactions, to know how to use injectable epinephrine in case they experience anaphylaxis, a severe reaction. If someone is experiencing anaphylaxis, dial 911 immediately.
References:
[1] AAAAI. (2021). Milk Allergy. Retrieved from https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/allergy-library/milk-allergy [2] ACAAI. (2021). Dairy Allergy. Retrieved from https://acaai.org/allergies/types/dairy-allergy [3] FARE. (2021). Milk Allergy. Retrieved from https://www.foodallergy.org/food-allergy-essentials/all-allergies/milk-allergy [4] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Dairy allergy. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dairy-allergy/symptoms-causes/syc-20357340 [5] NHS. (2021). Milk allergy in children. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/milk-allergy/ [6] NHS. (2021). Allergic reactions. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/allergies/allergic-reactions/ [7] NHS. (2021). Lactose intolerance. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lactose-intolerance/ [8] NHS. (2021). Cow's milk allergy in babies. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cowsmilk-allergy/causes/
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. If you suspect you have a dairy allergy, please consult with your primary care physician.
- Dairy allergies are amongst the most common food allergies in infants, occurring in roughly 2-5% of babies.
- As children age, the prevalence of dairy allergies significantly decreases, dropping to approximately 0.6% in adults.
- Infants with dairy allergies may experience recurring skin rashes such as urticaria or eczema, respiratory symptoms like wheezing, and gastrointestinal issues including diarrhea, vomiting, and colic.
- Adults with dairy allergies typically exhibit symptoms within an hour of consumption, including hives, wheezing, itching or tingling around the mouth and lips, swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, coughing, shortness of breath, vomiting, and in extreme cases, anaphylaxis.
- For infants, diagnosis of a dairy allergy involves careful history, symptom observation, and sometimes allergy testing.
- The key to managing dairy allergies in infants is the avoidance of cow's milk protein, often requiring the use of hypoallergenic formulas.
- Most children outgrow dairy allergies by age five, making regular reassessment essential.
- Adults with dairy allergies should identify and strictly avoid milk and dairy products, and may also require evaluation for triggers such as cross-reactivity with pollens or changes in gut barrier function.
- Antihistamines are commonly used to treat allergic reactions in adults, while epinephrine auto-injectors are prescribed for those at risk of anaphylaxis.
- When an individual with a dairy allergy consumes dairy, their body produces antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE), triggering the release of histamines and resulting in an allergic reaction.
- Dairy allergies should be distinguished from lactose intolerance, as the latter is a digestive system issue rather than an immune response.
- To prevent serious reactions, individuals should check food ingredients, inquire about food preparation, and take precautions when dining out or consuming food outside the home.
- It is crucial for individuals with dairy allergies, especially those with severe reactions, to know how to use injectable epinephrine in case of anaphylaxis and to immediately dial 911 in such instances.
