Parents have all kinds of concerns when caring for an infant. A child’s immune system is constantly strengthening as your child grows and because of a child’s immune system working overtime, milk allergy symptoms are one of the most common allergies in children.
The Symptoms Of Milk Allergy In Children:
- Wheezing due to constricted airways.
- Vomiting due to stomach irritation and upset.
- A skin rash of red raised welts.
- Digestive problems such as bloating and gas in the digestive tract. The gas buildup can be very painful and cause the stomach to cramp.
- Lower digestive tract distress such as diarrhea or constipation.
- In rare cases shortness of breath becomes life threatening or intestinal bleeding can occur.
Strange allergy symptoms generally occur within one hour of milk consumption. An infant may also become very cranky and irritable, crying loudly due to the pain. Some children who are allergic to cow’s milk (usually the type of milk causing allergy symptoms) may also have a goat, buffalo, sheep or soy milk allergy. While sensitivity to soy milk is rare, it does occur.
Milk Allergy Symptoms or Lactose Intolerance?
Some mistake the digestive tract distress (gas, bloating, and diarrhea) that is caused by lactose intolerance for a milk allergy. A true milk allergy causes the immune system to incorrectly respond when milk is consumed.
Lactose intolerance does not involve the immune system (no difficulty breathing or wheezing) and is the result of sensitivity to the lactose protein in milk. The GI tract becomes irritated and the above listed symptoms occur. It is quite disruptive to sufferers if they do not avoid lactose or take a supplement to aid digestion of it.
The two main proteins that cause milk allergy are casein and whey. These are also found in many manufactured foods. Read labels carefully to spot these proteins in your food.
There Are Many Alternatives for Those With Milk Allergies
One of the most common allergies is a milk allergy which often goes together with lactose-intolerance. If you are one of those unfortunate people who suffer from this allergy it is very important that you know that there are many other alternatives to cow’s milk. A milk allergy most certainly does not mean that you have to miss out on all those lovely recipes which require milk or drink black coffee your whole life.
Here are some alternatives for those who have a milk allergy:
Almond Milk – This is an excellent source of magnesium which is an important mineral for the body. It also contains manganese, Vitamin E which is an antioxidant, and Selenium which prevents tissue damage and cell damage and helps in reproduction. Almond milk is also an excellent source of protein, potassium, and unsaturated fat. The major downside of almond milk is that it is expensive.
- Buffalo Milk – Buffalo milk has a 7% fat content, which is very similar to that of cow’s milk. It contains less cholesterol, and more calcium, protein, iron and phosphorous. Because of the buffalo’s diet it is also contains higher levels of lactoperoxidase, lysozyme, immunoglobulins, and lactoferrin which make it perfect for use in health and diet foods.
- Goat Milk – Goat’s milk contains more Manganese, Vitamin A and D, Copper and Potassium than cow’s milk. It is believed that it protects one against the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, and is an effective source of riboflavin and phosphorous. It does contain slightly less zinc, folic acid and Vitamin B12 than cow’s milk, but is a good alternative for those with a milk allergy.
- Hemp Milk – Hemp milk is not readily available and does not contain calcium, cholesterol or lactose. It is a good source of protein and low in saturated fats.
- Oat Milk – Oat milk is lactose and cholesterol free, contains high levels of vitamin E and folic acid, which is crucial to the body and is used in DNA repair and synthesis. It is also an excellent source of phytochemicals. It is not good for those with gluten intolerance and is difficult to find.
- Rice Milk – Rice milk is hypoallergenic and is very nutritious. It is the least fattening of the milk alternatives and full of heart-healthy nutrients. Rice milk is a good replacement for cow’s milk in cooking although a bit sweeter.
- Sheep Milk – Sheep milk has almost twice as many minerals and Vitamin B as cow’s milk and also contains iodine which is great for those with thyroid problems but may pose a problem for those with shellfish allergies. It is very fattening and not good for lactose-intolerant people or babies.
- Soya Milk – The product of plants, this milk is full of protein and contains cancer-fighting isoflavones. It is completely safe for those who have a milk allergy or are lactose-intolerant.
There are many reasons to not use cow’s milk even if you do not have a milk allergy, the main one being the fact that the greenhouse emissions associated with the dairy trade are horrific. There is also the antibiotic problem; so really, you are better off using an alternative to milk. Although milk has a high percentage of calcium, which is very important mineral, especially for women, there are other ways to ingest calcium.
Milk Allergy Treatment
Treatment is generally aimed at avoiding milk and dairy product. For those lucky enough not to have a soy milk allergy, substitute soy milk in your diet where you were using cow’s milk. Cheese and other products are available at many grocery stores.
There is a hereditary link in developing milk allergy symptoms. If you have a family history, have other allergies already, or have types of eczema like atopic eczema, you are more likely to develop a milk allergy.
Children often find out suddenly that they have milk allergy. Milk allergies in children most often occur in young children (under the age of three) that some outgrow when they reach adulthood.
Knowing what the symptoms are, can help you to recognize what is a milk allergy and what is lactose intolerance (see lactose intolerance e symptoms listed.) in your child. Knowing the symptoms will help you (and your physician) determine the proper course of treatment. For those children who reach adulthood and still have milk allergy symptoms, consult a regular health professional to discuss treatment options.
