Milk allergy is a common food allergy in babies wherein their body’s immune system responds abnormally to milk or products containing milk. This problem is usually recognized during the first year of life.
In this condition, the immune system mistakes milk for a harmful substance and attacks it. Such a response can damage the baby’s stomach and intestines, often also showing signs and symptoms such as wheezing, vomiting, and digestive problems. The reaction can happen soon after your child consumes milk and, unfortunately, it can also lead to anaphylaxis—which is a life-threatening reaction.
As a parent of a child with this allergy, it can be painful to see your child in discomfort or pain. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to give your child the nourishment he/she needs despite this condition, and the first one is to educate yourself about milk allergy.
Quick Introduction to Milk Allergy
The most common type of allergy is the Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA), wherein the immune system treats cow’s milk protein as harmful. Up to 7% of formula-fed babies are found to be allergic to cow’s milk, while 1% of breastfed babies develop this allergy, too. The good news is that 80% of children outgrow the allergy by the age of 16, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.
Milk Allergy Symptoms
Allergy symptoms occur gradually or rapidly; in some cases, the symptoms often show up within minutes after milk consumption, while others take a few days. It’s also important to take note that, even without direct exposure, infants may be exposed to cow’s milk by consuming breast milk of mothers who have had milk or any product with milk.
Gradual symptoms of a milk allergy may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Vomiting and gagging
- Little to no appetite
- Skin rashes
- Irritability
- Watery stools which may also be bloody
Symptoms for an allergic reaction with a rapid onset are different, and they include:
- Wheezing
- Vomiting
- Skin rashes
- Anaphylaxis
Identifying Milk Allergy
At present, there is no single test to identify milk allergy. However, there are other tests which your baby can undergo for your healthcare provider to rule out other medical conditions, such as the following:
- Allergy tests (skin prick or patch tests)
- Food challenge
- Blood tests
- Stool tests
Moreover, your provider may recommend a baby formula without cow’s milk for your infant and also ask you to avoid cow’s milk, especially if you are breastfeeding. This method is called the elimination diet, and it will last for up to two weeks. After this, cow’s milk will be reintroduced to determine if it will still trigger allergic reactions.
Breast Milk Alternatives for Infants with Milk Allergy
If you are unable to breastfeed, there are formula options that don’t contain cow’s milk that you can choose from.
One alternative you may want to try is soy formula, which is made from soy protein. However, you must check first if your baby is not allergic to this as well. A study by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America shows that up to 14% of babies with milk allergy are also allergic to soy.
You may also explore amino acid-based formulas, which are composed of the simplest forms of protein.
Conclusion
It can be difficult to determine for certain whether an infant’s reaction to milk is a simple upset stomach or an allergic reaction. Considering this, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider so that your child can get a proper diagnosis and the appropriate treatment. Most of the time, you will be required to make dietary changes to control milk allergy and its symptoms.
At first, dealing with this condition can be disheartening as a parent, but remember that you can always reach out to support groups and consult professionals for expert advice.
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