Casein is a protein found in milk and milk products. It is also used in many food products due to its property of holding foods together. Bread, soups, instant potatoes, processed cereals, and adhesives are some of the products that contain casein. One of the first signs of casein allergy is skin rash, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea.
Casein allergy is a kind of food allergy that is caused when our body’s immune system mistakenly identifies casein as a threat and reacts against it. This protective response of the body triggers an allergic reaction. Casein allergy should not be confused with casein intolerance —in the case of intolerance, the body is unable to process and digest the protein and it does not involve the immune system.
Symptoms of Casein Allergy
Casein allergy can trigger the following reaction which are top Symptoms of Casein Allergy:
- Hives
- Rashes
- Abdominal cramps
- Bloating and Gas
- Diarrhea
- Runny nose and watery eyes
- Breathlessness
Dermal Symptoms of Casein Allergy
The following are the prominent skin-related symptoms:
- Itchy rash (the most common dermal symptom, develops into hives or eczema)
- Painful swelling
- Facial features (include fleshing of the face, throat, and chest )
In infants reflux and milk allergy are intricately related
Abdominal Symptoms of Casein Allergy
The digestive tract and abdomen are the other parts that are prominently affected by casein allergy. The following are the prominent symptoms:
- Severe abdominal cramping
- Recurrent diarrhea
Respiratory symptoms
The prominent respiratory symptoms, usually are asthmatic in nature. They include difficulty in breathing, wheezing, etc.
Wrong Diagnosis of Casein Allergy
Casein allergies are usually misdiagnosed as lactose intolerance. Thus most of the time they escape diagnosis. Physicians must be careful about this.
In rare cases, the allergic reaction can progress to a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis. This reaction can be avoided by administering epinephrine when allergy symptoms are detected.
If casein allergy is suspected in a person, he/she can consult an allergist who would conduct allergy tests. Blood tests (RAST) and skin tests are done to determine if a person has a casein allergy.
Dealing With Casein Allergy, Treatment of Casein Allergy
Treatment of Casein Allergy includes:
- People having casein allergy should avoid milk and milk products
- While shopping for food products, one should always read the labels and avoid those foods which contain casein
- Certain adhesives also contain casein and those products should be avoided
- One should be careful of cross-contamination – where casein can pass onto other food products while cooking or handling. Use separate utensils, knives, etc. to avoid cross-contamination. Also, be careful while eating out
- Always carry self-injectable epinephrine. It can stop an anaphylactic reaction
Avoiding milk to prevent casein allergy can deprive you of calcium. Hence, other foods such as soy milk, rice milk, etc. should be consumed to compensate for it.
If you suspect casein allergy, do consult an allergist who can conduct tests and help you to manage casein allergy.
More Information About Casein Allergy
To confirm if casein allergy is causing symptoms, maintain a casein-free diet for two weeks. Read product labels to ensure casein is not an ingredient in any of the foods you buy. Avoidance of casein should not be limited to food items, but should also include personal care products, paints, and adhesives. Understand that casein allergy is different from lactose intolerance.
