Milk and dairy allergies
Milk and dairy allergies are among the 8 most common food allergies found in American children. In fact, 2-3 percent of all children in the US have a milk allergy. The majority of milk allergic children are under 3 years of age. However, there is good news. The allergy specialists at Accent Allergy in Gainesville, FL have the training and experience to help you or your child manage your milk and dairy allergy and learn to avoid symptoms.
What causes milk allergy? Milk allergy causes.
Like all food allergies, milk allergies are the result of an abnormal immune response to certain food proteins. In this case, the culprit is one or more proteins in the casein family.
Is a milk allergy the same as lactose intolerance?
No, lactose is a form of sugar found in milk products. People with lactose intolerance have difficulty digesting lactose. Lactose intolerance usually carries gastrointestinal symptoms like an upset stomach, excessive gas and bloating. Lactose intolerance does not cause a true allergic reaction and will not result in anaphylaxis.
Can you outgrow a milk allergy?
Yes. In fact, about 80% of people have outgrown their milk allergy by the time they reach adulthood. However, there is a segment of the population who will have a lifelong allergy to milk and dairy products, even as adults.
| Some of the foods and products that may potentially trigger an allergic response | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Artificial butter or cheese | Coffee creamers | Ghee | Nougat |
| Alfredo sauce | Creamed or scalloped foods | Ice cream | Rennet |
| Au gratin dishes | Curd | Lactalbumin | Salad dressings |
| Baked goods | Creamy candy | Malted milk | Sheep milk |
| Cake mix | Doughnuts | Margarine | Sherbet |
| Chocolate | Goat milk | Mashed potatoes | Whey or whey products |
Milk allergy symptoms
Fortunately, most allergic reactions to milk are mild in nature. Symptoms are typically limited to stomach pain, diarrhea, and a skin rash. However, a small percentage of allergic people are extremely sensitive to milk products and may experience anaphylaxis, a severe, life-threatening reaction. These individuals need to always be very mindful of possible milk exposures and carry an epinephrine delivery device at all times.
No matter how mild or severe your milk allergy, the specialist physicians at Accent Allergy are able and ready to provide you with advice and assistance in managing your allergy and symptoms. They are also experienced in dealing with milk allergies in infants, toddlers and young children.
Milk allergy treatment
At Accent Allergy, our specialists offer several ways to confirm your suspected milk allergy. The first is through a skin test. A small amount of allergen is applied to your skin and the area is checked about 30 minutes later. A reaction indicates a positive allergy. This test is performed in the office and you’ll receive your results right away.
If a skin test is not a good choice due to a skin condition or other factors, blood can be drawn and sent off for RAST testing (blood test). While you won’t know the results immediately, the test is very accurate.
Another option is a food exposure challenge. During this test, you are given small amounts of milk products and carefully monitored for symptoms, all under the professional care of Accent Allergy’s medical specialists.
The most effective current treatment for milk allergies is simply avoidance. Your Accent Allergy physician will counsel you on what to look for when making food choices in order to evade exposure to milk. This includes checking labels on prepackaged foods and asking questions when eating out.
Contact Us!
If you or a loved one has a milk allergy, or you suspect an allergy to milk products, contact us! The allergy specialists at Accent Allergy are here to help you manage your allergies and provide you with knowledge so that you can live a full, healthy life.
Accent Allergy & Sinus Center | 4340 W Newberry Rd #301 | Gainesville, FL 32607 | (352) 271-5389