Milk Allergy Explained

By Maja Maartens

Cow's milk is one of the most general allergy-causing foods in children, and it's the foremost origin of allergic reactions in especially young babies.

Milk allergy has an effect on more or less 2 percent to 3 percent of tots worldwide, and its symptoms and signs can be difficult enough to cause sorrow not just for an allergic kid, but also for the child's family. But the good news is that nearly all kids grow out of a milk allergy by the age 2 or 3.

Allergic reactions ordinarily show a few minutes to a few hours after you consume milk " but every now and then it can be days before symptoms and sign occur. Signs and symptoms range from soft to serious and might include wheezing, vomiting, hives and digestive problems. Seldom, milk allergy can cause anaphylaxis - a severe, life-threatening reaction.

Milk Allergy Symptoms

Three types of milk correlated allergy symptoms have been documented:

1. Symptoms develop promptly following eating/drinking cow's milk. Reactions for the most part affect the skin, causing hives and/or eczema.

2. Symptoms set in several hours after ingesting cow's milk. Symptoms of this type are mainly diarrhea and vomiting.

3. Symptoms set in more than twenty hours after ingesting. The most symptom for this type is diarrhea.

Symptoms of milk allergy can affect the skin, causing rashes or hives; the digestive tract, causing bloating and diarrhea, and the respiratory system, causing runny nose and asthma.

Here is a more whole list of symptoms:

* vomiting

* hyperactive behavior

* diarrhea

* asthma

* hives

* runny nose

* rashes

* stuffy nose

* ear infections

* bloating

* watery eyes

* eczema

* allergic shiners (black around the eyes)

* recurrent bronchitis

* failure to thrive

The above symptoms are not restricted to people experiencing milk allergy. As you get to know food allergy symptoms, you will observe that numerous foods share a variety of common symptoms, such as: bloating, rash, and runny nose.

What is the Difference of Milk allergy and Milk Intolerance?

It is vital to tell between a real milk allergy from milk protein intolerance or lactose intolerance. Unlike a milk allergy, intolerance doesn't implicate the immune system. Milk intolerance triggers different symptoms and requires diverse treatment than does a true milk allergy. Ordinary signs and symptoms of milk protein intolerance or lactose intolerance include digestive problems, such as bloating, gas or diarrhea, after consuming milk.

Milk Allergy Prevention and Cure

The single way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid milk and milk proteins altogether. This can be easier said than done, as milk is a common food ingredient. Despite your best efforts, you or your child may still come into contact with milk.

Medications, such as antihistamines, may reduce signs and symptoms of a milk allergy. These drugs can be taken after exposure to milk to control an allergic reaction and help relieve discomfort. If you or your child has a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), you may need an emergency injection of epinephrine (adrenaline) and a trip to the emergency room.

If you're at risk of having a dangerous reaction, you or your child may need to carry injectable epinephrine (such as an EpiPen) at all times. - 17274

About the Author:

Maja Maartens is highly experienced with milk allergy on a personal level and she has written numerous in dept articles on the subject. For an comprehensive and meticulous explaination on milk allergy symptoms and how to live without milk and gluten visit her website.