Milk protein allergy is caused when the immune system mistakenly identifies the proteins present in the milk as a threat to the body and reacts against it. The immune system then releases histamine, which results in symptoms such as rashes, vomiting, diarrhea etc. Milk protein allergy is common in infants. However, most infants overcome the allergy by the time they are 2- or 3-years old.
Milk Protein Allergy and Breastfeeding:
Infants allergic to milk protein would develop allergy only to dairy products. Breast milk is safe for them. However, if the mother consumes dairy products, the breast milk may contain milk protein and this may trigger allergies in infant. Hence, if the infant has milk protein allergy, the mother is advised not to consume dairy products.
Milk Protein Allergy Symptoms:
Following are the symptoms of allergy to milk protein:
- Rash, which may become itchy
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain and cramps
If you observe the above symptoms every time you feed your infant with milk, your baby might be suffering from milk protein allergy.
Preventing Milk Protein Allergy:
To prevent milk protein allergy, it is necessary to shift to a dairy-free formula. Soy-based formulas or other products are available, which can keep the child free from allergies.
If you suspect that your infant has allergy, do consult a doctor or an allergist. Your doctor may advise you to keep the child away from milk until the age of 2 or 3 years. You may introduce the dairy products later under the supervision of a doctor.
To treat milk allergy, your doctor may prescribe your child antihistamines or epinephrine to treat the allergy symptoms. Milk protein allergy can be prevented by keeping away from dairy products. Do speak with your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
