
Milk Allergy:
A Guide for Teens
It is very common for people to think they are allergic to milk; in reality, though, only 2-5% of infants are born with milk allergy and 80% outgrow it by the time they are 6 years old. Milk allergy is also sometimes confused with lactose intolerance. What could be causing this confusion? Keep reading to discover more about milk allergy.
What is milk allergy?
Milk allergy is the way your body's immune system responds to one or more of the proteins found in cow's milk. Casein and whey are the most common milk-proteins that cause milk allergy.
What are some of the symptoms caused by milk allergy?
Milk allergy can cause skin reactions such as swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, face or throat. It can also cause eczema, hives, a rash or redness, and itchy skin or eyes. Respiratory problems such as sneezing, nasal congestion or runny nose, coughing or wheezing, and asthma can also result from milk allergy.
Can any of these symptoms be dangerous?
Yes. Although most of the symptoms of milk allergy are not dangerous, in rare circumstances someone may have an anaphylactic reaction. The symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction usually happen suddenly and only seconds after drinking milk. They can include some or all of the following: extreme itching, swelling in the throat that makes it difficult to breathe, sweating, rapid heart beat, low blood pressure, nausea, diarrhea, and shock. In the most dangerous cases, these symptoms can be life threatening.
Is milk allergy the same as lactose intolerance?
No, milk allergy is different from lactose intolerance. Milk allergy is an allergic problem, and lactose intolerance is the inability to digest the lactose sugar commonly found in milk. The symptoms of lactose intolerance are usually diarrhea, cramping, and gas.
Who has milk allergy?
Milk allergy can affect people of all races and ethnic groups. Most people develop milk allergy when they are infants and outgrow their allergy as they get older. Some people do not outgrow milk allergy and remain allergic to milk as adults. Milk allergy does not usually develop later in life.
How can I tell if I am allergic to milk?
Your health care provider can help you figure out if you have milk allergy and rule out other medical conditions such as lactose intolerance. Finding out if you are truly allergic to a certain food can be hard. To make this task easier for you and your health care provider, it is a good idea to keep track of the following:
What can I do if I have milk allergy?
Plan ahead. Think about what you would do if you accidentally ate or drank a food that contained milk. Your health care provider can prescribe a drug called epinephrine that can stop the symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction and give you time to get to the hospital. You may have heard of an Epipen® which is the most commonly prescribed form of epinephrine. If you have severe reactions to milk, it is important for you to always carry Epipen® or another form of epinephrine-just to be on the safe side.
You should ask your health care provider when and how to use your Epipen® and what you should do after you use it. Most of the time, you should call 911 and be seen in a hospital emergency room for observation to make sure that your reaction has stopped. |
What else should I do if I find out that I am allergic to milk?
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If you are allergic to milk, try not to get discouraged. Your health care provider can give you a prescription for epinephrine in case you do have an allergic reaction. As you learn more about your milk allergy, you will know what foods to avoid and will be able to choose a variety of new foods to keep you healthy. |
Updated 5/1/2005
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