Recognizing milk allergy symptoms in infants and adults and what to do
There are millions of people in this country who are allergic to milk. This allergy can manifest in infancy as well as in adults. Milk allergy symptoms are slightly different in infants than in adults. You need to know how to recognize possible milk allergy symptoms and know how to avoid allergic episodes, which can be severe and life threatening in some cases. Milk products are frequently included in unexpected places in many processed foods, so it's good to know how to avoid them.
Many people believe that milk allergy is the same thing as lactose intolerant. This is not true. Lactose intolerant people cannot digest the sugar (lactose) in milk, due to lack of a certain enzyme. On the other hand, people who are allergic to milk are allergic to one or more of the proteins present in milk, causing an overzealous immune system response, resulting in respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and skin reactions.
Infants usually develop milk allergy symptoms early, typically at 3-4 months of age. However, it's also true that most babies outgrow early milk allergy by the age of two. As with adults, milk allergy symptoms may come on suddenly, or not for up to 10 days of ingesting the milk product. The degree of allergy can be mild or quite severe. In both cases, common slow onset types of milk allergy symptoms in infants include:
loose bowel movements, sometimes bloody
vomiting or gagging
skin rashes, hives
colic
irritability
Unfortunately, these symptoms may be attributed to several other causes, so check with your pediatrician for advice.
With the rapid onset type of milk allergy symptoms, wheezing, swelling and diarrhea which is bloody are common, in addition to the above symptoms.
In adult onset cases, symptoms may also include hay fever-like reactions and intestinal cramping.
Although relatively rare in people who are allergic to milk, a few react quite severely, producing swelling of the mouth and throat tissues, making the patient unable to breathe. This severe type of reaction is called anaphylaxis. When this occurs, the patient must be taken to a hospital immediately.
Recognizing products which contain milk proteins has been made easier to recognize, by 2006 legislation requiring manufacturers to list common allergens contained in the product. Examine labels for the allergen 'milk products' and remember that you'll find milk products in anything from cereals to processed meats, so keep a sharp eye out when you shop.
If you suspect that your symptoms, or that of your infant, might indicate milk allergy symptoms, ask your doctor to investigate. If your doctor determines that milk is the culprit, they will advise you on how to best proceed and specific foods you'll want to avoid.
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