Allergy to cow's milk What you need to know

Allergy to cow's milk is quite common in both children and adults and is an atypical reaction of the immune system to the components contained in milk. In addition to cow's milk, the milk of goats, sheep, buffaloes and other mammals can cause an immune reaction.

The reaction usually develops immediately after consuming milk or a milk product, although it can develop after a few hours.

Symptoms

Rash on the skin

Sensation of itching or discomfort on the mucous membrane of the lips and mouth

Swelling of the lips or face

Coughing or shortness of breath

sound muffled

Abdominal pain

Diarrhea, sometimes bloody

Vomiting

discharge from the nose

tears

Intestinal colic - in infants

Milk allergy or lactose intolerance?

A true milk allergy is different from milk protein and lactose intolerance. Although the reaction is similar in both cases, however, unlike allergy, intolerance does not cause an immune response, therefore the treatment of these two pathologies is also different. Lactose intolerance is associated with a deficiency of the enzyme lactase, which is essential for lactose metabolism. Unlike milk allergy, lactose intolerance does not develop signs of damage to the skin and mucous membranes, and the clinic of the disease is mainly represented by symptoms of the digestive system, such as: bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea-vomiting.

Anaphylaxis

Cow's milk is one of the prominent food allergens that can cause anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis is an emergency that requires immediate intervention (with epinephrine). Symptoms develop soon after drinking milk or milk products:

Narrowing of the airways

Facial swelling

Itching

Shock with lowering of blood pressure

When is a visit to the doctor necessary?

As soon as the above symptoms develop!

Milk allergy tests are important to make a timely diagnostics and prevent severe consequences in the future.

Almost 80% of children allergic to milk develop complete tolerance by the age of 16-17 years.