Here's What Your Doctor Wants You To Know About Milk Allergies
Did you know that you could be allergic to milk? If you have a milk allergy, your body sees milk as a foreign invader and produces histamines in response. This can cause a range of symptoms, including hives, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
Milk allergies are most common in young children, but they can occur at any age. If you think you might have a milk allergy, it's important to see your doctor so they can confirm the diagnosis and help you develop a treatment plan.
There Are Two Types of Allergies to Milk
There are two main types of milk allergies. The first is an immediate reaction, which occurs within minutes to hours after drinking milk or eating milk products. The second type of reaction is delayed. This means that the symptoms don't occur until hours or even days after you've had milk or a milk product.
Milk Allergies Can Be Uncomfortable, But They're Rarely Fatal
Most milk allergies are not usually life-threatening, but they can be uncomfortable. The symptoms can range from mild (including rashes or hives) to severe (including breathing difficulties).
In rare cases, people experience anaphylaxis as a response to milk. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening and can come on suddenly. If you have anaphylaxis, you may need to be treated with epinephrine (a medication that can reverse the symptoms of anaphylaxis) and other medications.
Milk Allergies May Be Diagnosed Early in Life, But They Can Occur at Any Age
Milk allergies are most common in infants and young children, but they can occur at any age. If you have a milk allergy, you may be allergic to all types of milk produced by animals, including goat's milk and sheep's milk. You may also be allergic to milk products, such as cheese, butter, and ice cream.
Avoidance Is Key
There is no cure for milk allergies, so the best way to avoid a reaction is to avoid milk and milk products. This can be difficult, as milk is found in many common foods. However, there are many milk-free and lactose-free products available. Your doctor will help you determine the best way to avoid a reaction to milk.
Talk to Your Doctor About Your Milk Allergy
If you think you may have a milk allergy, see your doctor. They will ask about your symptoms and your family history of allergies. They may also do a skin prick test or a blood test to confirm the diagnosis.
Contact a local medical clinic to learn more about milk allergies.