Infant Milk Allergy: Causes, Symptoms, and How It's Identified
Milk allergy is a common food allergy in infants and young children, affecting around 2-7% of children depending on feeding practices and populations studied [2][3][5]. This condition arises due to an abnormal immune system reaction to the proteins in cow's milk, primarily casein (about 80%) and whey (about 20%) [3].
The immune system mistakenly identifies these milk proteins as harmful, triggering allergic responses that can range from mild to severe. Infants may exhibit symptoms such as skin reactions (rash, hives, swelling of lips, face, and eye area), gastrointestinal issues (nausea, colic, stomachache, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), asthma-like symptoms, nasal congestion, eczema, and even blood or mucus in their stool [2].
Milk allergy usually begins when infants are first exposed to cow’s milk or milk-containing products, such as formula or weaning foods [3]. It is worth noting that the allergy can develop in breastfed infants if the mother consumes cow’s milk, as milk proteins can pass through breast milk albeit less commonly (~0.5% exclusively breastfed infants vs. 2-7.5% formula-fed) [1].
Infants with atopic conditions such as eczema or asthma have a higher risk of developing milk allergy [1]. Cross-reactivity is common; many children allergic to cow’s milk also react to goat’s or sheep milk and sometimes soy proteins, especially if introduced early [3][4].
The immune response may be IgE-mediated (causing immediate symptoms like hives, swelling, and anaphylaxis) or non-IgE-mediated (delayed symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal tract and skin) [2][3].
In severe cases, a child may experience swelling in the mouth or throat, shortness of breath, labored or noisy breathing, wheezing, tongue swelling, swelling and tightness in the throat, dizziness or collapse, becoming floppy and pale, which is called anaphylaxis. In such situations, healthcare professionals may recommend parents or caregivers carry epinephrine injections in case of a severe allergic reaction [6].
If a child experiences a milk allergy, the only way to treat it is to avoid food products containing milk. This includes butter, buttermilk, casein and caseinate, chocolate, cream, creme fraiche, ghee, whey, yogurt, and other milk-derived products. Caregivers should make a doctor's appointment after the child's first allergic reaction, and doctors may ask caregivers to keep a food diary of what the child eats and the symptoms they experience [7].
In developed countries, around of babies have a milk allergy at the age of 1 year [8]. If a child has symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, caregivers should call 911 immediately.
A milk allergy is an immune system response that happens when a child's body recognizes cow's milk protein as a foreign invader and produces antibodies against it. Doctors usually diagnose milk allergies, often through a combination of assessing the child's medical history, physical examination, and conducting skin prick tests or blood tests [1][2].
For families navigating milk allergies, it's essential to read all food labels before giving new foods to a child with a milk allergy. Regular check-ups with a doctor or allergist every 6-12 months are also crucial to see if the child has grown out of their milk allergy [9].
- Nutrition for those with lactose intolerance or milk allergy requires careful consideration, avoiding dairy products.
- Allergies, including milk allergy, can have chronic effects on a child's digestive health and respiratory conditions.
- A caregiver should be knowledgeable about food allergies and their management, especially in the case of a child with milk allergy.
- Science has made significant strides in understanding medical conditions like milk allergy, allowing for more effective treatments.
- Pre-existing conditions such as eczema or asthma can increase the likelihood of a child developing a milk allergy.
- Cross-reactivity is not uncommon with milk allergies; some children react to goat's or sheep milk, as well as soy proteins.
- The immune system's response to milk proteins can be immediate (IgE-mediated) or delayed (non-IgE-mediated).
- Severe milk allergy reactions may include symptoms like anaphylaxis, requiring immediate medical attention.
- In such cases, it's essential for caregivers to have epinephrine injections on hand for emergency use.
- To manage a milk allergy, one must avoid food products containing milk, including chocolate, yogurt, and whey.
- It is crucial for caregivers to consult with a doctor after a child's first allergic reaction, and maintain regular follow-ups.
- In first-world countries, around 1 in every 100 babies suffers from milk allergy at the age of 1.
- If a child experiences symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, caregivers should call emergency services immediately.
- Lactose intolerance and milk allergy are complex conditions that require ongoing care and management, encompassing health and wellness, fitness and exercise, mental health, and even skin care.
- Furthermore, therapies and treatments for milk allergy can also impact other aspects of a child's health, such as women's health during breastfeeding, or even men's health and neurological disorders in severe or prolonged cases.
