Milk allergy is a condition of hypersensitivity of the body’s immune system to proteins in milk. Here are the causes, symptoms and treatment.

Milk Allergy

Medical specialist	Child
Symptoms	Shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, swollen eyes, bumps on the skin
Risk factors	the baby’s digestive system is not working perfectly, certain food/drink allergies, a history of allergies in the family
Cara diagnosis	The complete interview, skin prick examination, immunoglobulin E . blood test
Treatment	Avoid consumption of milk or milk-based products
Drug	Anti-histamine drugs, corticosteroids
Complications	Rhinitis, food allergy
When should you go to the doctor?	Difficulty breathing, chest pain, increased pulse, decreased blood pressure, decreased consciousness

Milk Allergy Definition

Milk allergy is a condition of hypersensitivity of the body’s immune system to the proteins contained in milk.

Of all types of milk, cow’s milk is the most common cause of allergies.

The incidence of milk allergy is most often experienced by children under five years of age. Generally, complaints of cow’s milk allergy do not last a lifetime.

Usually, at the age of 5 years and over, allergies can disappear on their own, as a person’s immune system improves.

Milk Allergy Reason

Under normal conditions, the immune system functions to overcome germs from outside.

In milk allergy conditions, the body perceives the proteins in milk as germs from outside that threaten the body.

The immune system then overreacts to the presence of these proteins.

One of the most common occurrences of milk allergy is an allergy due to cow’s milk. In cow’s milk there are several types of protein such as casein and whey.

Milk Allergy Symptoms

Symptoms of a milk allergy vary greatly from one person to another.

The signs can also appear within minutes or hours after consuming milk or other dairy products.

Some of the immediate symptoms of a milk allergy include:

• urticaria
• sneeze
• a lot
• itching or burning sensation around the lips
• swollen lips, tongue or throat
• watery eyes
• cough or shortness of breath
• vomiting
• Severe symptoms may also occur, known as anaphylaxis. Symptoms include severe shortness of breath, pale skin, bluish lips, drastic drop in blood pressure, and decreased consciousness

Meanwhile, the signs of a milk allergy that appear after a few hours are:

• diarrhea
• Bleeding CHAPTER
• stomach pain
• itchy and runny nose
• watery eyes
• stomach pain

Milk Allergy Risk Factor

There are several risk factors that can increase a person’s milk allergy, including:

• the baby’s digestive system is not working properly
• certain food or drink allergies
• family history of allergies
• history of atopic dermatitis

Milk Allergy Diagnosis

If the doctor suspects a milk allergy, the doctor will take the following steps:

• Medical Interview

The doctor will conduct a complete interview, especially regarding the types of food that have just been consumed, the symptoms experienced, and the time interval from the food consumed until symptoms occur.

• Physical examination

After the medical interview, the doctor will perform a physical examination, including an examination of vital signs and a thorough examination to determine all possible symptoms.

• Skin Check

Doctors can also perform follow-up examinations to confirm the presence or absence of a milk allergy. Examination that can be done is a skin prick examination.

The trick is to remove a small part of the skin and expose it to milk protein.

Then the doctor will observe if there is a skin reaction in the form of redness of the skin or itching that appears.

• Blood Check

Blood tests can also be done, namely the examination of immunoglobulin E (IgE).

If there is a milk allergy tendency, the amount of IgE in the blood will increase above normal.

• Food Elimination

This test is done by not consuming milk and dairy products for several weeks.

After that the patient was asked to run the diet as usual.

• Food Test

This examination is done by giving food or drinks containing milk and dairy products to see if there is an allergic reaction.

This test is done under the supervision of a doctor.

Milk Allergy Treatment

Until now there has not been found a cure for milk allergy, other than preventing the consumption of milk or milk-based products, such as yogurt or cheese.

Here are some ways to ease the symptoms of a milk allergy:

• Avoiding Trigger Factors

Depending on the sensitivity of the body, foods containing milk should also be avoided.

Especially, those who are very sensitive to milk and its processed products.

• Breast milk

Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for babies, especially in children who are allergic to cow’s milk.

Breastfeeding mothers also need to avoid foods containing beef and its processed products.

• Soybean Milk

Soybean milk can be an alternative for children who are allergic to cow’s milk. However, you should first consult with your pediatrician.

• Hypoallergenic Formula Milk

Hypoallergenic formula milk is made with a special process for its protein content so it can prevent milk allergy reactions in babies.

Consult your doctor first before consuming your little one.

If an allergic reaction occurs, there are several drugs that can be consumed to relieve symptoms due to milk allergy according to the severity, namely:

• Anti-histamine drugs

This medication is used to relieve symptoms of an allergic reaction.

• Corticosteroid Medication

Oral or injection forms of corticosteroid drugs will be given to patients with severe symptoms to prevent anaphylactic reactions.

If symptoms are mild, anti-allergic drugs such as antihistamines can be given. Antihistamines that are generally given are cetirizine and loratadine.

In addition, corticosteroid anti-inflammatory drugs can be given. Examples are dexamethasone, prednisone, or methylprednisolone.

Medicines to treat a milk allergy are generally given for at least two days.

If a milk allergy is experienced by a child who is still in its infancy, you should consult a doctor about the possibility of changing the type of milk.

Generally, if a child is allergic to cow’s milk protein, a substitute can be given in the form of hydrolyzed milk, ie partially hydrolyzed milk or soy milk.

Milk Allergy Prevention

The best way to prevent milk allergy symptoms is to avoid milk and all dairy foods, such as puddings, breads, cakes, and pizza.

In addition, do the following:

1. Read Product Packaging Composition

When you want to eat, it’s a good idea to pay attention to the composition of the food listed on the food packaging package.

Sometimes the word “milk” doesn’t appear on food packaging. However, be aware of other ingredients, such as casein, lactalbumin, lactoglobulin, or whey that may be listed on the packaging.

Milk has this kind of compound. Consuming it can cause symptoms such as a milk allergic reaction.

2. Bringing Food from Home

In order not to mistakenly consume foods containing milk or other processed products, you should bring food from home to avoid allergic reactions.

3. Don’t Use the Same Cookware as Others

Avoid using cooking utensils that are shared with other people. This is to minimize the risk of exposure to food allergens.

4. Inform Family/Friends About Allergy History

When the child plays or is at a friend’s or other extended family’s house, do not forget to tell the child’s allergy history.

If milk is accidentally consumed or it is unavoidable to consume and allergic symptoms appear, make sure there are no severe allergy or anaphylactic symptoms.

Milk Allergy Complications

Complications of milk allergy are more common in children, including:

1. Rhinitis Alergi (Hay Fever)

Allergic rhinitis is caused by inflammation of the nasal membranes as an overreaction of the immune system to allergen exposure.

For example, dust, mites, moss, or flakes of dead animal skin cells.

2. Food Allergies

People with a milk allergy can experience allergies to other types of food, such as eggs, nuts, or seafood.

When to go to the doctor?

If there are symptoms of anaphylaxis, allergy sufferers should immediately be taken to the nearest health facility.

Patients can get adrenaline injections to overcome allergies while saving the sufferer’s life. Know more Milk Allergies | Cincinnati Children’s With Cincinnati Children’s