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Symptoms of Milk Allergy in Infants
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An allergy to cow's milk is the most common food allergy in infants and young children. Both breastfed and bottle-fed infants can develop an allergy to the protein in cow's milk, although infants that are exclusively breastfed have a lower incidence of allergies overall.
Many parents mistakenly assume that their infant or young child is lactose intolerant if they develop symptoms after drinking milk or a milk-based formula. Although some of the symptoms are similar, lactose intolerance in infants and young children is quite rare. Therefore, an allergy to milk protein should be ruled out before assuming lactose is responsible for the infant's symptoms.
The only treatment for an allergy to cow's milk is to avoid any form of dairy completely. Fortunately, the majority of babies will outgrow their allergy to milk by the time they begin preschool. There is no specific lab test to diagnose an allergy to milk, but your doctor may order a stool test or an allergy skin test. Pediatricians generally suggest switching to a soy-based formula, but nearly half of all infants with a true milk allergy will also be allergic to soy.
Symptoms of Milk Allergy in Infants:
Symptoms of an allergy to the protein in cow's milk generally appear during the first month or two of life. Symptoms can appear soon after a feeding or not until a week or more after exposed to the protein.
Symptoms of a rapid-onset allergic reaction may include wheezing, vomiting, irritability, swelling, hives, or sneezing. Rarely, a very severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis can occur. Anaphylactic reactions require immediate medical attention. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include hives, severe vomiting, flushing, and swelling of the face, mouth, and tongue. The swelling may be so severe that it can lead to difficulty breathing. Anaphylaxis can be fatal, and the parents of any infant that experiences this reaction to milk will need to be extremely cautious about exposing their baby to milk in the future.
Symptoms of a slow-onset allergic reaction are much more common and may include diarrhea with or without blood, abdominal pain, vomiting, gagging, rashes, chest and nasal congestion, irritability, colic, or refusing to feed. Allergies that present with these symptoms are more likely to be outgrown that those that cause rapid-onset reactions.
Eczema can be a symptom of an allergy to cow's milk that is often ignored. The symptoms of eczema may be mild and go undetected, or may not show up for several weeks after milk is first introduced or reintroduced. Eczema causes raised, red, flaky patches on the skin and can cause a significant amount of itching.
If you suspect your infant or a young child may be suffering from an allergy to cow's milk, please consult your pediatrician. If milk products are avoided until your child's third birthday, there is a good chance the allergy will fade away without treatment.
© NowChic.com
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