Milk allergy in children occurs when a child’s immune system mistakenly perceives cow milk proteins as a threat and acts against them, triggering a reaction. A child allergic to milk develops symptoms when milk or milk-based foods are ingested. Depending on the severity of the allergic reaction, the symptoms may vary from mild to severe. Removing milk and milk products from the diet can help manage mild symptoms. In the US, milk allergy affects about 3% of children under three years (1). Fortunately, most children outgrow milk allergies before they turn 16. Thus, prompt treatment and management of the condition are essential for managing allergic reactions. Read this post to learn about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of milk allergy in children.
What Are The Causes Of Milk Allergy In Children?
There is no exact cause of milk allergy. Genetics and environmental factors may play a role in its manifestation. Physiologically, in those with milk allergy, the body identifies milk protein as an allergen and produces IgE antibodies. These antibodies bind to allergic cells (mast cells and basophils) in the body, and release chemicals called histamines that bring symptoms of an allergic reaction (2). Each time the child consumes milk or milk products, the body displays an allergic reaction (3).
What Are The Symptoms Of Milk Allergy In Children?
Milk allergy symptoms may appear within two hours or several hours after the milk ingestion. If you suspect your child has a milk allergy, look for the following symptoms (1). The intensity of symptoms varies from child-to-child. Also, milk allergy symptoms often seem similar to lactose intolerance. Therefore, if your child shows any symptoms, consult a pediatrician promptly for an accurate diagnosis.
How Is Milk Allergy Diagnosed In Children?
There is no specific test that can detect cow milk allergy. Generally, the doctor will collect the family, medical, and diet history of your child along with a detailed discussion of the child’s symptoms. Based on these details, they are likely to advise the following tests (1) (4) (5). Based on the diagnosis, your allergist will prescribe a treatment plan consisting of different treatment modalities.
What Is The Treatment For Milk Allergy In Children?
The treatment of milk allergy aims at managing the triggers and symptoms. If your child is diagnosed with milk allergy, the treatment will include the following. Your child will undergo pediatric assessment every six to 12 months to know if they have outgrown the allergy.
What To Feed To Children With Milk Allergy?
A child on a dairy-free diet may be losing essential nutrients. However, you can offer a well-balanced dairy-free diet to mitigate the risk. Below are some foods that can nutritionally substitute dairy. Eating a well-balanced diet ensures that a child gets all the necessary nutrients in optimum amounts.
What Are The Complications Of Milk Allergy In Children?
Children with milk allergy may have a higher risk of experiencing the following complications.
Insufficient supply of vital nutrients that can hinder the growth and development of a child. In such cases, along with a well-balanced diet, nutritional supplementation may be necessary for some time to ensure the child’s uninterrupted growth and development.
Allergies to other foods, such as peanuts, eggs, and soy, may occur. Research shows that children with milk allergy are more likely to develop other food allergies (5). The child may also have a higher risk of developing allergies against airborne particles, such as pollen.
Poor nutrition, due to the absence of milk in the diet, can be mitigated through alternative food items. Parents of children with milk allergy should be alert to the presence of other allergies.
How To Prevent Milk Allergy In Children?
You cannot prevent milk allergy, but allergic reactions attributed to milk allergy can be prevented by avoiding milk and milk products. Below are some steps that you should educate your child to manage milk allergy effectively (9) (10) (11).
