Allergy to milk is nothing more than an allergy, i.e. an incorrect immune response of the body to foreign substances (allergens) present in the environment, which under normal conditions should be ignored. As a result, disease symptoms appear. In healthy people, allergens do not cause any problems. Unfortunately, allergic people are exposed to unpleasant ailments, and sometimes even to allergic reactions that are dangerous to health and life.
Today, various types of allergies are very common. It is believed to be the most common ailment worldwide. It is estimated that over 500 million people suffer from allergies, and the tendency to develop it is also genetically determined. For allergenswhich most often cause allergies include, for example: pollen, mold, animals, medicines, cosmetics and a whole range of food products. The most common food allergy is allergy to milk. It mostly occurs in infants and young children, but there are cases allergy to milk in adults.
What is milk allergy?
Allergy to milk is allergic to protein and other ingredients included in its composition. Cow’s milk contains about 30 proteins that can cause allergic reactions. The main causes of allergic reactions are casein proteins. This type of allergy disappears when replacing cow’s milk with goat’s milk. Next are whey proteins, such as beta-lactoglobulin and alpha-lactalbumin. It is estimated that up to 3% of infants in Poland are allergic to cow’s milk protein. This type of allergy is most common among infants and children under 3 years of age. During the first months of a baby’s life, milk is the only component of the diet. For the next few years, it is its primary ingredient. The immature and non-immune baby’s digestive tract is more likely to develop allergies, especially if the only food is milk. In most cases, this type of allergy is temporary and disappears within a few years. This is because the human body acquires tolerance with age, which is why adults are much less likely to be allergic to milk. We must remember that allergy to milk it does not only apply to its liquid version. Many dairy products contain cow’s milk, so be careful in case of allergies. The proteins in milk are highly resistant to high temperatures, so thermal treatment is not an option. To find out if you are allergic to cow’s milk and other products that often cause allergic reactions, order a 10-allergen mailing test.
Symptoms of allergy to milk
Allergy to milk it can manifest itself in two ways. In the first case allergy symptomsand can be immediate and can occur within minutes to hours after consuming milk. In the second case symptoms they are late or late. This means that they occur several to several hours after eating. Symptoms of allergy to milk they usually occur locally. A generalized reaction manifested by anaphylactic shock occurs much less frequently. It is a directly life-threatening situation, therefore medical intervention is always necessary. In case of local reactions symptoms they usually occur in the digestive, respiratory and nervous systems. Digestive system problems are the most common and most unpleasant for young children. They are manifested by diarrhea or constipation, vomiting, downpours, abdominal pain, bothersome colic, oral allergy syndrome or a lack of weight gain. Chronic cough, wheezing, rhinitis, sneezing, asthma, and serous otitis media may occur. Nervous system in the case milk allergies, reacts with dizziness and headaches, disturbed sleep, convulsions and even fainting. In addition to the above symptoms, there may also be skin changes, such as erythema, itching, hives, rash, swelling, as well as redness and tearing of the conjunctiva.
If you notice the above-mentioned symptoms in yourself or in your child, it is worth doing a food intolerance test. At Medonet Market you can buy it and make it without leaving your home.
Treatment of allergy to milk – diet
Treatment of allergy to milk is usually limited to an elimination diet. However, it can cause deficiencies of certain nutrients, so we should go to a dietitian who will prepare a professional diet for us. Occasionally, especially with more severe symptoms allergy to milk, antihistamines, antiallergic and anti-inflammatory drugs are used. The diet is much less restrictive in the case of adults. They must compensate for the vitamin D and the amount of calcium that milk contains. Alternatives are dried figs, white cabbage, broccoli, beans or sea fish. The diet and treatment are different allergy to milk in the case of infants. An elimination mixture is introduced into the toddler’s diet. Dairy-free diet in the case of children, it should be used for 6 months. After this period, provocations are carried out. If the allergy has resolved, the baby’s milk is gradually introduced into the diet.
If you suspect a milk allergy, order Imutest Allergy – Milk – Home Cassette Test. You can do it yourself without leaving your home, and you will know the results within half an hour.