A milk allergy is an immune reaction to one of the many proteins in animal milk. It’s frequently brought on by the alpha S1-casein protein in cow’s milk. A milk allergy is often puzzled with lactose intolerance since they frequently share signs. The two conditions are extremely different, however. Lactose intolerance takes place when an individual does not have the enzyme (lactase) to metabolize lactose — a milk sugar — in the intestinal tracts.
Cow’s milk is the leading reason for allergies in kids and among 8 foods that are responsible for 90 percent of childhood allergies. The other seven are eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, fish, shellfish, and wheat.
Milk Allergy Symptoms
Frequently, kids with a milk allergy will have a slow response. This means symptoms will develop in time, from several hours to days later. Signs associated with a slow reaction include:
- abdominal cramps
- loose stool (which might include blood or mucous).
- diarrhea.
- skin rash.
- periodic coughing.
- runny nose or sinus infection.
- failure to thrive (slow to gain weight or height).
Symptoms that take place rapidly (within seconds to hours) may include:
- wheezing
- vomiting
- hives
Although rare, it’s possible for a kid with a milk allergy to have a severe reaction referred to as anaphylactic shock. Anaphylactic shock may cause swelling of the throat and mouth, a drop in blood pressure, and trouble breathing. It can likewise lead to cardiac arrest. Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical attention and is treated with epinephrine (EpiPen) in the form of a shot.
Almond Milk Allergies
Changing from routine milk to almond milk might be trading one allergy for another. Tree nuts such as almonds (together with walnuts, cashews, and pecans) top the list of allergy transgressors. In addition, nearly half of people allergic to peanuts dislike tree nuts.
Unlike a cow’s milk allergy, which usually fixes at a very early age, tree nut allergies tend to last a lifetime. Only 9 percent of kids will outgrow an allergy to almonds and other tree nuts.
Signs of a tree nut allergy might include:
- itching
- eczema or hives
- swelling
- nausea
- abdominal pain
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- runny nose
- wheezing
- trouble breathing
Anaphylactic reactions to tree nuts (and peanuts) are likewise more common than with other kinds of allergies.
Soy Milk Allergies
Soy is among the “big eight” irritants, so it is very important to expect signs, especially in kids. Soybeans, in addition to peanuts, kidney beans, lentils, and peas, remain in the legume family.
A soy allergy is most common in infants.
Symptoms of a soy allergy might include:
- flushing
- itching
- hives
- runny nose
- wheezing
More major reactions might include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat. In differ rare cases, a soy allergy may lead to anaphylaxis.
Rice Milk Allergies
Rice is the least most likely grain to cause an allergic reaction. Numerous moms and dads select to offer their children rice milk instead of cow’s milk due to allergy issues. While rice allergies are incredibly unusual in the West, they have been on the rise in Asian countries such as Japan and Korea, where rice is a staple food, considering that the 1990s.
Symptoms of rice allergy include:
- inflammation of the skin.
- rashes.
- hives.
- swelling.
- stuffy or runny nose.
- wheezing.
- anaphylaxis.
In Children, Infants, and Toddlers
Allergies are generally discovered really early, often by three months of age. Breastfeeding is one of the best ways to avoid and defend against allergies. There are likewise milk formulas for babies who develop milk allergies.
Breast Milk
Breastfeeding supplies the very best source of nutrients for a baby and helps them establish defenses against particular allergies.
A mother who drinks cow’s milk, however, will move the alpha S1-casein and whey protein to her kid through her breast milk. This may trigger a reaction in an allergic baby. Milk allergies are usually found really early in breastfed infants.
The bright side is that babies who are breastfed have less allergies and infections during the very first year than do those who are offered formula.
A lot of medical professionals suggest new mothers nurse for a minimum of the very first six months of a child’s life to assist the kid avoid allergies.
Formula for Babies with Milk Allergies
Most pediatricians suggest soy-based solutions with added minerals and vitamins for babies allergic to milk.
If symptoms don’t improve after a switch to soy, hypoallergenic solutions are available. These include extensively hydrolyzed formulas in which proteins have been broken down so they are less most likely to trigger a reaction.
The other kind of hypoallergenic formula typically utilized is known as an essential formula, in which just the most basic types of protein are used.
