Milk Allergy Symptoms
Milk Allergy Symptoms
Milk allergy symptoms might mimic the symptoms of lactose intolerance, but these two conditions are actually different from each other. The two conditions are in fact similar only in that they are both reactions to the ingestion of cow’s milk, but the actual processes that occur after ingestion are different.
To fully understand the difference between the two, it is necessary to understand the properties and characteristics of their main cause: cow’s milk. This particular food is made up of carbohydrates in the form of milk sugar-lactose, and of proteins, fats, minerals, and of course, water. Other substances might also be found in milk, but it is important to note that milk contains 30 different types of protein. These proteins are then divided into two categories: whey protein and casein protein. Whey protein can be metabolized and broken down into simpler compounds with the use of heat, while casein protein cannot be broken down with the application of heat.
Regardless of the type of protein, there is a chance that the body will produce immunoglobulin E antibodies. This reaction is referred to as milk allergy, and the production of these antibodies could cause the manifestation of the milk allergy symptoms.
As the antibodies are released by the immune system, it creates a disruption in the natural processes of the human body, primarily because the immune system malfunctions in the way it responds to the milk proteins. Instead of identifying the proteins as harmless elements, the immune system identifies them as foreign particles that could possibly damage the body, hence the allergic reaction.
Whey and Casein Allergies
There is a possibility that a person can drink boiled milk, which is a sign that he is only allergic to the whey protein in this food. Since casein cannot be broken down by heat application, it is still left in the milk after boiling; and if a person can drink milk this way, then it means that the casein does not cause any kind of allergic reaction to his system. Although this is so, most people who are allergic to milk are actually allergic to both types of proteins.
It was found that about 3-5% of infants all over the world are affected by milk allergy. Fortunately, the allergic reaction is not permanent in most of these infants and they are usually able to outgrow the milk allergy usually by the age of 6. The continuation of the condition into adulthood is very rare, although there are still some who show milk allergy symptoms even when they are 30 years of age.
Lactose Intolerance vs. Milk Allergy
Lactose intolerance is often compared to milk allergy because both show similar symptoms, such as the immediate discomfort that is felt after consuming milk. However, lactose intolerance symptoms are manifested by the absence of lactase, and it means that the body cannot process milk because the enzyme responsible for processing it is not present. Even children who are 5 years of age and up are highly likely to be lactose intolerant (especially if their bodies start to produce lactase at a less than normal rate), whereas milk allergy usually recedes at this age.
Milk Allergy Symptoms
Milk allergy symptoms vary from one individual to another, and their manifestations and duration might also differ. There are even instances when a person who used to be able to consume milk without any problem develops a milk allergy through time. Technically, milk allergy is divided into three main categories, which are the following.
Type 1: In this type of milk allergy, the milk allergy symptoms start to surface right after consuming cow’s milk: even at very small amounts. The symptoms can be in the form of hives, and other respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms might also be present.
Type 2: In this type of milk allergy, some people might experience diarrhea or vomiting after consuming moderate amounts of milk after a couple of hours or so.
Type 3: Milk allergy symptoms that show 20 hours after consumption of a relatively high amount of milk can mean that a person has the type 3 milk allergy. Such symptoms may or may not include skin allergies or respiratory symptoms.
The manifestations of the milk allergy can affect the respiratory system, the gastrointestinal tract, and the skin. Among the most common of these symptoms are the following.
- Rashes, hives, or eczema
- Abdominal cramping and pains
- Bloated feeling or vomiting
- Nasal congestion, sneezing, or coughing
- Irritability and hyperactivity
- Loose bowel movement
- Swelling of the face, mouth, lips, tongue, or throat
- Infections in the ears
These symptoms are also related to other food allergies, but it is important to note that the milk allergy symptoms might regress naturally once a child reaches the age of 5 or 6.