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Milk Protein Allergy
Milk protein allergy means that your baby or child reacts abnormally to the protein found in milk. This pertains to cow's milk products and possibly goat's milk products. Because of this, doctors recommend taking both cow and goat milk products out of the baby or child's diet. A milk allergy is the most common allergy in children.
Fats, sugars, proteins, water, and vitamins are the components of milk. The proteins in the milk cause an allergic reaction in a milk protein allergic baby or child. The immune system attacks the milk to protect itself.
Symptoms
Symptoms can present themselves in several different forms depending on the baby or child. Reactions can be directed at the skin, respiratory system, or the digestive system.
Digestive symptoms you may see:
Cramps in the stomach or stomach pain
Gas and or bloating
Nausea and vomiting
Swelling of facial features – mouth, tongue, throat, lips, face, etc.
Symptoms of reflux
Colic
Respiratory symptoms you may see:
Watery or irritated, itchy eyes
Runny or stuffy nose
Sneezing
Wheezing
Breathing problems or shortness of breath
Skin symptoms you may see:
Hives
Rash
Eczema or itchy red skin
Allergy Shiners (look like black eyes)
Anaphylaxis is a very rare but an extremely severe reaction. SEEK IMMEDIATE HELP AND CALL 911 IF YOU SEE:
Breathing problems
Throat, face, tongue, mouth, or lip swelling (this indicates a very serious reaction)
Reaction begins almost immediately or immediately after having milk
Treatments
Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding is still the best way to go. Elimination is the key. You will just need to remove all milk products from your diet. MomsWearingPuke.com has a list of ingredients that contain milk. Click here to view it.
Formula Feeding: If you are formula feeding, then trying a soy-based formula may help. Instead of using milk proteins, soybean proteins are used. Keep in mind that many children who have a milk allergy may also have a soy allergy.
Hypoallergenic Formula: If your baby or child is having allergic reactions to both milk formula and soy formula, then you can also try a hypoallergenic formula. These types of formula break up the protein and are much easier to digest.
Toddlers and Children: If you have a toddler or a child you are concerned about, there are many options, so don't be discouraged! We have found many foods our son can eat. We have been replacing milk with soy and are seeing major success in how great he feels. It has been well worth it!
Will my child outgrow this?
Most children outgrow their milk allergy by one year. Other children will outgrow it by 3 years. Some children will never outgrow their milk allergy. Only time will tell.
Testing
Elimination: Most often an elimination of milk from the diet is the most common way for children to be diagnosed for milk allergy. You can try an elimination of milk in your child's diet if your doctor agrees and recommends it.
Milk Challenge: At the doctor's office, you may have your child drink formula that is milk-based. Your child will then be observed for the next few hours to look for any allergic reaction.
Allergy Testing: Your child can be diagnosed through allergy testing as well. Check with your doctor about this. Our son was diagnosed this way.
Conclusion
If you suspect your child of having a milk protein allergy, contact your doctor about the symptoms your child is experiencing. As always, we welcome you to check out and post questions in our active forums here at www.momswearingpuke.com !
Written by: Erin, ElisMom
Read more about Other Conditions:
Food Allergies vs. Food Intolerances,
Ingredients Containing Milk / Dairy
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