Milk Allergies – Hypersensitivity towards Milk and Other Dairy Products

Individuals suffering from milk allergies react severely to the proteins that are present in the milk. The immune system of the patient is affected when one consumes dairy products Therefore, it becomes necessary to have a clear understanding of the nature of the allergy.

Milk Allergies – An Overview

An individual suffering from milk allergies often reacts to milk and other dairy products. The body develops certain antibodies called immunoglobulin when milk is consumed. The immunoglobulin then in turn releases histamine to our body. Milk allergies is very common among young children and the symptoms of the allergy are evident within a couple of hours or in a day. There is quite a misconception between milk allergies and lactose intolerance as many think it to be of the same nature. Milk allergies affects our nervous system while lactose intolerance affects our digestive system. However, milk allergy is not serious as children soon outgrow their allergies by the third year.

Milk Protein Allergy – Common Among Children

Milk comprises of carbohydrates or sugar, fat, vitamins and minerals, and water. However it is the protein in milk that most children are allergic to. Breast feeding babies can also develop milk protein allergy when they are exposed to any traces of cow’s milk through their mothers. Usually the child becomes irritable and develops hives or eczemza. It is important to seek the advice of a physician when such symptoms occur. The doctor will ensure that the baby is strictly kept on a dairy free diet or might even recommend formula food. However the physician might even recommend the child go back on milk after a few months. It is important to keep in mind that a child who is detected to milk protein allergy will react to all milk products . So it is necessary to keep the baby on dairy free diet absolutely.

Milk Allergy Symptoms – Watch Out

There are several milk allergy symptoms. These could range from acute abdominal pain to irritability in the child . Often the child develops rash and hives in the skin. In some cases there is acute diarrhea. There is also an impending danger of an anaphylactic reaction. In severe cases, the doctor also refers to an allergist who evaluates the allergy thoroughly. The antibodies that are released when milk is consumed and they in turn affect our respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, skin, and the cardiovascular system. There is severe wheezing and nausea associated with it. In some cases the respiratory tract is also affected and a symptom of runny nose and watery eyes persists. There could be a sudden drop in the blood pressure and might even lead to anaphylaxis which leads to swelling of the mouth and throat.