Milk Allergy | Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Symptoms

Milk is one of the most common food allergens. People with an allergy to cow’s milk may also be allergic to milk from other animals, including sheep and goats.

Within a short period of time after consuming milk or a milk protein, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Hives
• Stomach upset
• Vomiting
• Bloody stools, especially in infants
• Anaphylaxis, a rare, potentially life-threatening reaction that impairs breathing and can send the body into shock

Take back control of your life. If you or your child experiences any of these symptoms, see an allergist to find a solution.

Diagnosis

At your appointment, your allergist will take a detailed history, including asking what you ate, what symptoms you experienced, how long the symptoms lasted and what you did to alleviate them. The most common allergy tests are a skin-prick test or a blood test; both look for the presence of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, which develop when your body is exposed to a substance to which it is sensitive. These antibodies trigger the release of chemicals that cause allergic symptoms.

In the skin-prick test, a liquid containing milk or a milk protein extract is placed on your forearm or back. Your skin is pricked with a small, sterile probe, allowing the liquid to seep into your skin. If you develop a raised, reddish welt, typically within 15 to 20 minutes, that can indicate an allergy. In a blood test, a blood sample is tested for the presence of IgE antibodies. The results are reported as a numerical value.

Research suggests that some types of milk proteins (casein and two proteins found in whey, alpha-lactalbumin and beta-lactalbumin) are more likely to cause serious reactions. A newer type of blood test, known as a component test, can help the allergist determine your risk for a serious reaction by looking for allergies to those specific proteins.

Another test your allergist may order is an oral food challenge. Under medical supervision, you’ll eat small amounts of a substance containing milk or a milk powder to see if a reaction develops. Because of the possibility that a reaction could be severe, this test is conducted in your allergist’s office or at a food challenge center with emergency equipment and medication on hand.

Management and Treatment

Avoidance of milk or items containing milk products is the only way to manage a milk allergy. People who are allergic to milk and the parents of children who have this allergy must read ingredient labels very carefully.

Milk is one of eight allergens with specific labeling requirements under the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004. That law requires manufacturers of packaged food products sold in the U.S. and containing milk as an ingredient to include the presence of milk or milk products, in clear language, on the ingredient label.

There are two main types of milk protein — casein and whey. Casein, the “solid” part of milk, comprises about 80 percent of milk protein. Whey proteins, found in the liquid part of milk, make up the other 20 percent. Milk proteins are found in many foods, including all dairy products, and in many places where they might not be expected. For example, some canned tuna, sausage, meats and other nondairy products may contain casein. Beverage mixes and body-building and energy drinks commonly contain whey. Milk protein has also been found in some chewing gum.

Some companies may voluntarily include information that their food products “may contain traces of milk” or that they are manufactured in a facility that also processes milk, though such advisory statements are not required by law.

Allergies to food (including milk) are the most common causes of anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Symptoms include swelling of the airways, impairing the ability to breathe, and a sudden drop in blood pressure, causing dizziness and fainting. An allergist will advise patients with a food allergy to carry an auto-injector containing epinephrine (adrenaline), which is the only treatment for anaphylactic shock, and will teach the patient how to use it. If a child has the allergy, teachers and caregivers should be made aware of his or her condition as well.

Some people with this allergy can tolerate foods containing milk that has been extensively heated, such as a baked muffin. Still, people with an allergy to milk protein should consult an allergist before determining whether they should completely avoid milk and other dairy products.

Milk is a fairly easy ingredient to substitute in recipes. Most recipes calling for milk can be just as successful by substituting the equivalent in water, juice, or soy or rice milk. If your infant is allergic to milk, talk to your pediatrician about which formula to use. Often, an extensively hydrolyzed elemental formula or a casein-hydrolysate formula is recommended for milk allergy in infants, as the proteins in these formulas have been extensively broken down. Alternatively, your infant’s doctor may recommend a soy-based formula.

Milk Allergy or Lactose Intolerance?

Milk or dairy allergies and lactose intolerance are not related.

People with a milk or dairy allergy experience symptoms because their The immune system plays a role in the control of cancer and other diseases, but also is the culprit in the phenomena of allergies, hypersensitivity and the rejection of transplanted organs, tissues and medical implants.</span>” rel=”tooltip”>immune system reacts as though milk and other dairy products are a dangerous invader. This reaction can cause hives, an upset stomach, vomiting, bloody stools and even anaphylactic shock — a life-threatening allergic response.

Individuals who are lactose intolerant cannot digest the sugar in milk (lactose) because they have a deficiency of lactase, an enzyme produced by cells in the lining of the small intestine. Lactase is required to metabolize lactose. The lack of this enzyme — which sometimes can just be temporary, due to infection — causes symptoms such as abdominal gas, diarrhea or abdominal cramps.

If you suffer digestive problems after eating or drinking dairy products, try tracking your diet and noting how your body reacts to the items you consume. You may also try temporarily cutting dairy products — milk, cheese and yogurt, for example — from your diet and see if your symptoms improve. Report the results to your allergist, who can do testing — typically, skin testing — to confirm a diagnosis.

Definition & Facts for Lactose Intolerance

In this section:

• What is lactose intolerance?
• How common is lactose malabsorption?
• Who is more likely to have lactose intolerance?
• What are the complications of lactose intolerance?

What is lactose intolerance?

Lactose intolerance is a condition in which you have digestive symptoms—such as bloating, diarrhea, and gas—after you consume foods or drinks that contain lactose. Lactose is a sugar that is naturally found in milk and milk products, like cheese or ice cream.

In lactose intolerance, digestive symptoms are caused by lactose malabsorption. Lactose malabsorption is a condition in which your small intestine cannot digest, or break down, all the lactose you eat or drink.

Not everyone with lactose malabsorption has digestive symptoms after they consume lactose. Only people who have symptoms are lactose intolerant.

Most people with lactose intolerance can consume some amount of lactose without having symptoms. Different people can tolerate different amounts of lactose before having symptoms.

Lactose intolerance is different from a milk allergy. A milk allergy is an immune system disorder.

Lactose is a sugar that is naturally present in milk and milk products.

How common is lactose malabsorption?

While most infants can digest lactose, many people begin to develop lactose malabsorption—a reduced ability to digest lactose—after infancy. Experts estimate that about 68 percent of the world’s population has lactose malabsorption.¹

Lactose malabsorption is more common in some parts of the world than in others. In Africa and Asia, most people have lactose malabsorption. In some regions, such as northern Europe, many people carry a gene that allows them to digest lactose after infancy, and lactose malabsorption is less common. ^1,2 In the United States, about 36 percent of people have lactose malabsorption.¹

While lactose malabsorption causes lactose intolerance, not all people with lactose malabsorption have lactose intolerance.

Who is more likely to have lactose intolerance?

You are more likely to have lactose intolerance if you are from, or your family is from, a part of the world where lactose malabsorption is more common. In the United States, the following ethnic and racial groups are more likely to have lactose malabsorption:

• African Americans
• American Indians
• Asian Americans
• Hispanics/Latinos

Because these ethnic and racial groups are more likely to have lactose malabsorption, they are also more likely to have the symptoms of lactose intolerance.

Lactose intolerance is least common among people who are from, or whose families are from, Europe.

What are the complications of lactose intolerance?

Lactose intolerance may affect your health if it keeps you from getting enough nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D. Milk and milk products, which contain lactose, are some of the main sources of calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients.

You need calcium throughout your life to grow and have healthy bones. If you don’t get enough calcium, your bones may become weak and more likely to break. This condition is called osteoporosis. If you have lactose intolerance, you can change your diet to make sure you get enough calcium while also managing your symptoms.

References

Allergy to cow’s milk proteins (CMP)

1. Nestlé Health Science
2. health care
3. The concept of “Allergy to cow’s milk proteins (CMP)”

The concept of cow’s milk protein allergy (CMP)

What is a food allergy?

Food allergies occur when the body’s immune system (the body’s own defense mechanism) reacts incorrectly to certain foods. Normally, the immune system helps the body fight harmful things, such as infectious agents. In a food allergy, the immune system misrecognizes certain food components as harmful, leading to unpleasant and sometimes life-threatening allergy-related signs and symptoms.
More than 120 foods are known to cause food allergies. Cow’s milk protein allergy (CMP) is the most common type of food allergy in infants under one year of age.

Do not confuse CMPA with lactose intolerance

Sometimes CMPA is confused with lactose intolerance. Both diseases have some common signs and symptoms, but different causes and treatments.

CMPA usually develops at an early age, while lactose intolerance is extremely rare before the age of 5 years.

What is ABKM?

CMA is a type of food allergy in which the child’s immune system reacts to proteins found in cow’s milk. As a result, the child develops allergy symptoms: skin problems (rash, hives, dry, flaky or itchy skin), digestive system disorders (diarrhea, vomiting, constipation and reflux) and respiratory problems (noisy breathing, coughing, runny nose). CMPA usually occurs before a child’s first birthday.

What is lactose intolerance?

Unlike CMPA, lactose intolerance does not depend on the immune system. This is actually lactase deficiency, the inability to digest the lactose sugar found in cow’s milk, and is very rare in children under 5 years of age. Lactose is one of the most important carbohydrates (sugars) in breast milk and is very beneficial for babies. Lactose promotes healthy intestinal flora and calcium absorption.

Cow’s milk protein allergy and lactose intolerance are different diseases

learn more about cow’s milk protein allergy

All about CMPA

How common is CMPA?

Is CMPA hereditary?

Why does my child have CMPA?

Can CMPA be cured?

What is the difference between the AAA line and hypoallergenic formulas?

Your steps towards the diagnosis of CMPA

Allergy symptoms can be frightening, but CMPA can be easily managed with the right diet, so it’s important to get the right diagnosis from your doctor and get treatment on time.
If you notice any symptoms in your child that could be associated with CMPA, first of all, don’t worry. Discuss the problems with the doctor, the doctor will take the necessary actions to make a final diagnosis. Follow the links below for information and guidance regarding the diagnosis of CMPA and the common signs and symptoms of CMPA.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CMPA

CMPA is a food allergy, but symptoms can affect more than just the digestive system, they can also affect the respiratory system and skin.

Learn more about the signs and symptoms of CMPA

Symptom Analysis

Diagnosis

To make a diagnosis, the doctor will examine the child and ask about any symptoms you may notice. If an allergy to cow’s milk proteins is suspected, a doctor may do certain tests. Once diagnosed, the symptoms of CMPA can be easily managed under the experienced guidance of a physician.

Learn more about CMDD diagnostics

Get ready for your doctor’s visit

Would you like some help preparing for your doctor’s visit? By printing and completing My Child’s Symptom Diary, you can be sure that your doctor will have all the information you need to make an accurate diagnosis.

Symptom diary

IMPORTANT NOTE: Breastfeeding may continue if the infant is allergic to cow’s milk protein. To do this, the mother needs a special diet with the exclusion of all sources of cow’s milk protein. Only if these measures do not bring the desired effect, the doctor recommends the use of a special therapeutic mixture intended for children from 0 to 1 year old.
It is important to follow the correct methods of preparing the mixture: using boiled water, sterilized bottles and following the rules for diluting the mixture. Medicinal mixtures intended for diet therapy of CMPA should be used under the supervision of a physician.

How to recognize lactose allergy

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More about the doctor

Lactose allergy is a pathological condition that is associated with the hypersensitivity of the body to a carbohydrate from the group of disaccharides. Patients of childhood are most susceptible to its development.

Causes of the disease

The main cause of the development of the disease is lactase deficiency. Predisposing factors include:

• Genetic predisposition of the patient.
• Children’s age. During this period, imperfection of the structure of the intestinal wall and the lymphatic system is noted in the body.
• Intestinal diseases against the background of which insufficient synthesis of enzymes occurs.

Symptoms and early signs

Initial symptoms of lactose intolerance develop after an hour or a half from the moment of consumption of dairy products. After drinking milk, symptoms develop faster.

The patient is concerned about:

• The development of flatulence, bloating and pain in the abdomen.
• Change in stool character. It becomes liquid, frothy with a yellow tint and a sour smell.
• The appearance of rashes of a polymorphic nature, resembling diathesis.
• Headache.
• Bronchospasm and allergic rhinitis.

Children are characterized by severe anxiety, crying, which is difficult to eliminate, and disturbed sleep.

Methods of diagnosis

Diagnosis of lactose allergy begins with the clarification of complaints. The patient notes the relationship between the use of dairy products and the reaction of the body. It is important not only to identify the relationship of reaction to certain foods, but also the time after which symptoms appear.

Additional methods for diagnosing the disease include:

• Analysis of feces to detect carbohydrates and traces of blood in it. After drinking milk, glucose is detected. The appearance of blood indicates inflammation and an erosive process.
• Hydrogen test. The relationship between inhaled hydrogen and glucose, which turned out to be undigested, is revealed.
• Biopsy of the small intestine. The technique is used when there are difficulties in laboratory diagnostics. A biopsy may be prescribed if inflammatory processes in the intestine are suspected.

Treatment and prevention

1. Therapy is prescribed for any disease severity. Non-drug treatment involves limiting the intake of products containing lactose. With a pronounced deficiency of enzymes, dairy products are completely excluded from the diet. For the treatment of mild lactase deficiency, it is recommended to limit dairy products, consuming them in small quantities.

2. Methods of specific therapy include the use of enzymes that make up for the natural lack of substances. Adult patients are prescribed Lactase, and children Lactase Baby.

3. Folk remedies are used to alleviate pathological symptoms. They do not completely eliminate lactose allergy.
   

4. Prevention of an allergic reaction consists in selecting a diet containing a minimum amount of lactose in the composition.