Some children may have a very serious reaction called anaphylaxis.
This happens within minutes after eating or drinking something with milk in it.
The most serious symptom is the swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, face and throat.
If this happens, your child will have problems breathing.
Call 911 immediately.
Is it contagious?
No, milk allergy is not contagious. You cannot get it from someone else.
But, it can run in families. It is said to be hereditary.
How is it treated?
Breast-Fed Babies
Breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life (or longer) is the food for your baby. If you are breastfeeding and your baby has symptoms, you can still breastfeed. You will need a special diet with no milk in it. Talk with your doctor about a healthy, milk-free diet.
Formula-Fed Babies
Using soy formulas may help. Soy formulas have the same vitamins and minerals found in milk formulas. The only difference is they use soybean proteins instead of milk proteins.
Some babies with milk allergy also have allergic reactions to soy protein. Your doctor will talk to you about hypoallergenic formulas (like Enfamil® Nutramigen). Hypoallergenic formulas have protein that is broken up. These formulas cost more than milk or soy formulas.
Testing Your Baby for Milk Allergy - "Challenges"
You may need to keep milk out of your child's diet for up to 1 year. After that, she can be tested to see if she still has milk allergy. These tests are sometimes called challenges. Your baby will eat a milk formula at the doctor's office. You will then wait for a couple of hours to see if anything happens. If everything is okay, your child can start eating and drinking milk. If your child has an allergic reaction, you will need to keep milk out of her diet longer. Usually challenges happen every 3 to 6 months to see if the milk allergy goes away.
Have your child tested at the doctor's office. Do not feed your child milk at home until your doctor says it is safe.
What foods have milk in them?
It is important to read food labels.
Here is a list of words that mean the food has milk in it.
whey (delactosed, demineralized, protein concentrate)
yogurt
Other foods that might have milk in them.
brown sugar flavoring
caramel flavoring
chocolate
high protein flour
margarine
natural flavoring
Simplesse
Be aware that foods labeled as "non-diary" may still have milk in them.
If you are not sure, try calling the food company, a dietician, or do not give it to your child.
How long does it last?
Many children outgrow milk allergy by 1 year.
Others will outgrow it by 3 years.
Some children will still have milk allergy for their entire lives.
Can it be prevented?
No, it cannot be prevented.
When should I call the doctor?
Call your doctor if your child has any of the signs and symptoms of milk allergy.
Call your doctor if your child is 0 to 6 months old and cries for hours at a time.
Call your doctor if your child has a rash.
Call your doctor if you have questions about your child's condition.
Quick Answers
Milk allergy means your baby has an abnormal reaction to proteins found in milk. Foods with milk in them cause this too.
It is the most common food allergy in children.
It usually starts 0 to 6 months of age. Infants are most at risk.
The main signs and symptoms include hives, itchy, red skin (eczema), diarrhea (maybe with blood), shortness of breath, and wheezing.
Some children may have a very serious reaction called anaphylaxis. Your child may have problems breathing. If this happens, call 911 immediately.
Milk allergy can run in families.
Treatment depends upon your child's diet and age.
If you are breastfeeding, you do not have to stop. You will need a special diet with no milk in it.
If you are giving your baby formula, a soy formula may help. Some babies also have allergic reactions to soy protein. Your doctor will talk to you about hypoallergenic formulas (like Enfamil® Nutramigen). Hypoallergenic formulas have protein that is broken up.
At 1 year, your child can be tested to see if the milk allergy went away. This should only be done at the doctor's office.
Many children outgrow the milk allergy by 3 years. Some children will still have milk allergy for the rest of their lives.
Call your doctor if your child has any of the signs and symptoms of milk allergy.
Call your doctor if you have any questions about your child's condition.
Dr. Paul. Childhood Illnesses and Conditions: Milk Protein Allergy. 2000. (cited 2004, March 31). URL: http://www.drpaul.com/illnesses/milkallergy.html
Medem. The American Academy of Pediatrics. Hypoallergenic Infant Formulas. 2000. (cited 2004, April 8). URL: http://www.medem.com/MedLB/article_detaillb.cfm?article_ID=ZZZ88KS6KAC&sub_cat=19
Medical University of South Carolina Children's Hospital. Milk Allergy Diet. (cited 2004, April 8). URL: http://www.musckids.com/health_library/allergy/milk.htm
United Kingdom Allergy Network. A Comprehensive Guide to Milk Allergies. (cited 2004, March 31). URL: http://www.lactose.co.uk/milkallergy/index.html
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