Does your little one get red bumps on his body after drinking milk? Or does he vomit? Maybe you too have experienced stomach upset and difficulty breathing after eating something like milk, yogurt, or cheese. This is a problem that many people have. Today we are talking about this very common, but sometimes dangerous, milk allergy, or Milk Allergy .
What exactly is milk allergy?
Simply put, this means that our immune system, the system that protects us from disease, overreacts to the proteins in milk. Our body thinks these milk proteins are a big enemy, so it starts to fight against them. This is why allergy symptoms appear.
Most often, this is caused by cow's milk , but some people can also be allergic to other types of animal milk, such as goat's milk and sheep's milk.
But there are a few things we shouldn't confuse here:
- True Milk Allergy: This is a condition involving the immune system.
- Milk protein intolerance in infants: This is also a different type of immune system response, but it is usually not life-threatening.
- Lactose intolerance: This is something completely different. It's not an allergy. It's the inability of our bodies to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk.
Most importantly: A true milk allergy can sometimes be life-threatening. If you experience severe allergy symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, go to the nearest hospital emergency room (ETU) immediately.
Who is most affected by this situation?
Milk allergy can affect anyone of any age, but it is most common in children under the age of 16. The good news is that most children outgrow this allergy as they get older. And like all babies who have a milk protein intolerance, the condition will also outgrow itself as they get older.
This allergy can occur in both formula-fed and breastfed babies.
What happens inside the body when you drink milk?
Think about it, your body has a part of it that's like a security guard. That's the immune system. When milk proteins enter the body of someone with a milk allergy, these security guards think that an enemy has arrived.
Then they make a special type of antibody called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) . These IgE antibodies go and attach to special cells (mast cells) in our skin and respiratory tract. When we drink milk again, the milk proteins are caught by these IgE antibodies. Then, a chemical called histamine is released from those cells. That histamine is what causes all the allergy symptoms like hives, itching, and shortness of breath.
- IgE responses: These are very rapid. Symptoms appear within minutes of drinking milk. Sometimes they can even progress to a very severe, life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis .
- Non-IgE reactions: These take a little longer to develop. It can take up to 48 hours for symptoms to appear. This is common in infants. These are usually not life-threatening.
What are the symptoms of a milk allergy?
The symptoms of a milk allergy can vary from person to person. For some people, it can be very mild, while for others it can be very severe.
| Mild Symptoms | Severe Symptoms - Go to the hospital immediately! |
|---|---|
|
|
Why does this allergy occur?
There are two main types of proteins in milk. You can be allergic to one or both of these.
1. Casein: This makes up about 80% of the proteins in milk. It is found in the thick part that rises to the top when milk is curdled. This protein is also found in things like yogurt and cheese. It is what gives milk its white color.
2. Whey: This makes up about 20% of the proteins in milk. Whey proteins are found in the liquid portion that remains when milk is curdled.
How do you know for sure if this is a milk allergy?
If you have these symptoms, the best thing to do is see a doctor . He or she will refer you to an allergist if necessary. They will run some tests to confirm this.
- Blood Test: A sample of your blood is taken and the amount of IgE antibodies against milk proteins is measured.
- Skin Prick Test: In this, a drop of liquid containing milk protein is placed on the skin of your hand and gently pricked with a small needle. If the area turns red and swollen within about 15 minutes, you can confirm that you have an allergy.
- Graded Oral Challenge: This is done only under medical supervision. In this, you are given small amounts of milk and carefully observed for any allergic symptoms.
How to treat and manage?
If you have a milk allergy, the only and best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to completely avoid milk and all foods and beverages containing milk.
What foods should be avoided?
- Milk (powder, condensed, liquid in all forms)
- Milk from other animals (goat milk, sheep milk)
- Butter, Ghee
- Cottage cheese
- Yogurt, skim milk, custard, pudding
- Sour cream
Read the label of every food you buy from the store carefully. Sometimes, even if it says "no dairy," it may say something like "made in a dairy processing plant." Be careful of things like that too.
How to get nutrition without milk?
Milk is a good source of essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D. So once you stop drinking milk, you need to get these nutrients from other foods.
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Calcium-fortified milks like soy milk and almond milk
- Fish like salmon and sardines
It is very important to consult a dietitian to learn more about this.
Emergency medicine
If you have a severe allergic reaction, your doctor will prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector , also known as an EpiPen® . Your doctor will explain how to use it to save your life in the event of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). You should keep this with you at all times.
Are milk allergy and lactose intolerance the same thing?
Yes, these are two completely different situations. This is where many people get confused.
| Feature | Milk Allergy | Lactose Intolerance |
|---|---|---|
| Reason | An immune system response (to milk proteins) | Digestive system problem (lactose intolerance) |
| Symptoms | Skin rashes, swelling, difficulty breathing, vomiting, stomach upset | Stomach bloating, stomach ache, flatulence |
| Severity | Possibly life-threatening (Anaphylaxis) | Although uncomfortable, it is not life-threatening. |
| Most commonly seen | Among infants and young children | Between adults and young people |
Things to be careful about in everyday life if you have allergies
- Always be aware of what you eat and drink. Read the label carefully on everything you buy from the store.
- If your child has a milk allergy, teach him not to buy food from his friends. Also inform the teacher at school.
- When eating out, tell the waiter or chef about your allergies. Ask for details about the ingredients.
- Wear a medical alert bracelet that mentions your allergies.
- Always keep the EpiPen® prescribed by your doctor with you.
Living with a milk allergy can be a challenge, but if managed properly, you or your child can live a completely healthy, happy life.
Take-Home Message
- A milk allergy is an immune system response. It's not just a stomach upset.
- Symptoms can range from a minor itch to life-threatening.
- The best treatment for this is to avoid milk and dairy products completely.
- It is essential to carefully read the label of every food purchased at the store.
- If you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing or loss of consciousness, it is an emergency. Go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- If you have any doubts about this, be sure to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and management.
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