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Milk Protein Allergy Breastfeeding – How it Happens

June 2, 2011 By Leave a Comment

“Breast milk is still best for babies.” This is the common line what people hear from advertisement for babies’ milk. It does protect babies from allergies, since it provides antibodies, or also called as immunoglobins, but it does not provide a perfect protection against allergies that babies can still get. Milk protein allergy can be a result of breastfeeding and is one of the most common forms of allergies. This type of allergic reaction can happen to babies as well as to toddlers and can start from their intestines, lungs and throat.

Overview of Milk Protein Allergies

Allergies and milk can sometimes go hand in hand, but, fortunately milk protein allergy that can come from breastfeeding, does not really have to be a serious problem for nursing children. Like almost all of the allergies that can be caused by environment allergens, the antigen that causes milk protein allergies can be avoided. Once these antigens are avoided, then it can eliminate the cause of allergic reactions to milk protein. Through very careful attention and patience, a mother can continue breastfeeding without any more problems. And through this loving process, a mother can continue giving breast milk to her child and be the best kind of fluid that a baby with the milk protein allergy can get.

Allergies in babies take the most popular form in milk protein allergies. Milk protein allergy is not the same with lactose intolerance though, which is a more common type of allergies in children. Milk protein allergy can cause the stomach lining of a baby, which is less mature than that of the stomach lining of an adult, to react because of the incompatibility of the protein that is present in cow’s milk that can be transferred during breastfeeding when it comes in contact with the lining of the stomach of a baby.

Causes of Allergic Reactions to Milk in Babies

The intake of a mother of cow’s milk can cause symptoms of allergic reaction to dairy products to appear on her child. Unlike the chemical composition of human milk, cow’s milk cannot be easily broken down by the digestive system of a baby, therefore the digestion of the proteins that make up cow’s milk are not digested fast enough by the baby’s stomach. Because of the difference between a mother’s milk and a cow’s milk, the cause of milk protein allergy in babies can cause may be attributed to a mother’s intake of dairy products like cow’s milk that can then be transferred to the child through breastfeeding.

If a mother has a daily intake of dairy products such as cow’s milk, this might adversely affect the breast milk she is producing. The protein that is present in milk’s cow is actually being passed on through her breast milk that is then being produced in her body that reaches the body of her child through breast feeding. Because of this, a mother would need to remove any dairy products she is taking to check if the symptoms of the allergies in her baby would clear up. Before making any changes in her diet though, a mother should immediately notify her physician and her allergist about the symptoms her child has.

Symptoms that are Associated with Milk Protein Allergies

Since there is a possibility that your child can get milk protein allergy during your breastfeeding sessions, knowing the symptoms will help you as well as your kid live a healthier life. Babies’ allergies symptoms can include skin rash, or eczema, abdominal cramps and pains, diarrhea and vomiting. Anaphylaxis can also occur, though not that common, but it does happen to children who develop allergies in dairy products. This is a very serious allergy, and may cause your child’s face to swell, that will make his breathing difficult. If you notice the signs of this allergic reaction, get medical assistance immediately.

Treatment of Milk Allergies in Babies

Milk protein allergy in babies can be treated in children and breastfeeding can still be continued by the mother. For a child who is breastfed and milk protein allergy has been the diagnosis of the doctor, stopping with her breastfeeding is not the solution. The symptoms that appear with her allergy to milk can simply be relieved by removing dairy products from her daily intake. A mother can always ask for advice from her physician about the best dairy-free diet that you and your child can have.

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What to Eat with a Milk Allergy and Not Worry

May 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Most of the foods available today contain milk and some traces of it.  This is the reason why people with milk allergies find it difficult to find foods that would not cause allergic reactions.  They have to be extremely careful with what they eat.  Milk is divided into two components.  Curd is the part that usually forms chunks wherein 80% of milk’s protein is found.  Whey is the watery part of milk and contains the remaining 20% of milk proteins.  Allergies occur when the body detects milk proteins to be intruders rather than as a nutritional source.

The immune system then releases armies of antibodies that promote the release of histamines.  This greatly affects the body, thus, causing allergic reactions on the skin, the gastrointestinal tract, and the respiratory tract.

Symptoms of Milk Allergy

The allergic reactions associated with milk include skin irritations that may present it in forms of red and quite bumpy rashes, often referred to as hives.  There may be symptoms of eczema and red swelling of the lips or the areas surrounding the mouth.  Milk allergies symptoms in the gastrointestinal tract may cause stomach cramps, nausea, dizziness, diarrhea, and vomiting.

The respiratory tract is also affected during occurrences of allergies.  It can cause a runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, as well as sneezing that somehow triggers coughing and wheezing associated with asthma.  In sever cases, anaphylaxis might even occur.  This is when the mouth, throat, as well as the air passages start to swell causing difficulty in breathing.  Progression of this condition may lead to anaphylactic shock.

Like any other food allergies, symptoms with regards to milk allergy may occur within minutes or even hours after it has come in contact with the person allergic to it.  It is important to remember that an allergy with milk is different from lactose intolerance.  With the allergy, the body does not accept milk proteins at all whether it is taken orally or if the body is exposed to a certain product that contains milk.  Intolerance has something to do with the digestive system’s lack of enzymes responsible for breaking down milk proteins.

What and What Not to Eat

People should be aware of what to eat with a milk allergy.  This may mean that they should refrain from eating food with milk such as pizza, ice cream, cakes, and the likes.  Other foods that should be strictly avoided are butter, margarine, pastries, creams, cheeses, chocolate (although there are some that are completely dairy free), creamer, condiments like mayonnaise and mustard, tuna and chicken broth, cold cuts, and most breads.

Allergy to milk products may mean that most of the available food today should be avoided.  However, there is no reason to feel sad because there are many delicious alternatives to these prohibited foods.  A dairy free diet can still include milk but not those derived from cows.  Milk, cheese, and ice cream made from soy, oat, or rice are alright and the great thing is that each one comes in their own different flavors.  You can get your daily calcium from calcium-fortified juices.  You can add broccoli, sardines, and almonds in your diet, too.

Aside from knowing what a dairy free diet should consist of, people with milk allergy should also be careful about eating out.  Unless you want to ask the server all the time about which meals in the menu contains dairy products, you can just avoid eating in most restaurants and fast food chains altogether.  Restaurants that serve Asian cuisine are recommended because they rarely make use of dairy products in their recipes, except for ice cream and some cakes.  Your best option is to head to the salad bar and bypass the cheeses and any milk based dressings.

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Can Touching Milk Cause Anaphylaxis?

March 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Food allergy is one the most common allergies and they are also one of the most dangerous because of the possibility of anaphylaxis. The problem with food allergies is that even if a person ate minute amount of the allergens, it can cause severe allergy attacks. In some cases, those with severe allergies can experience allergy attacks simply by coming into contact with the food they are allergic to. This is the reason why parents should be very careful when their kids have food allergies.

Milk Allergy

Milk allergy in particular is one of the most common especially among preschool children. People do not develop allergic reactions to the milk sugar but to the milk proteins. Milk allergy can be diagnosed through an allergy skin prick test. Allergy attacks happen when a person drinks milk or eats and drinks foods and drinks which has contains milk. In some cases simply coming into contact with milk can also trigger a hypersensitivity reaction.

Just like other kinds of allergies the signs and symptoms of milk allergy includes the appearance of skin rashes, hives, itchiness and redness around the mouth which can spread to other parts of the body. The worst result of an allergy attack is anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a type I hypersensitivity reaction which involves several systems. Anaphylaxis can occur within minutes or after several hours after exposure to an allergen. It can affect the respiratory system, cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal system and the central nervous system. When anaphylaxis happens, a person will suffer from different signs and symptoms such as swelling of the lips, throat and tongue and flushing.

Other anaphylaxis signs and symptoms are difficulty in breathing, abdominal pain, coronary artery spasm, loss of bladder control and a feeling of impending doom. Anaphylaxis can lead to anaphylactic shock which causes death. Can touching milk cause anaphylaxis? Yes. For instance, if a person who is allergic to milk has a cut on his or her lips kissed someone who drank milk, severe allergy attack can occur. This is because the milk protein can enter the person’s system through the cut. The same is true for open wounds. It is therefore very important for those with milk allergy to be very careful. If the person does not have a cut or open wound and touches milk, it can still cause mild allergic reaction.

Prevention

Parents whose children are allergic to milk should education their children about allergies. It is very important for the children to understand the effects of an allergy attack. Teach your children to read the ingredients of each product especially sweet foods because they usually contain milk. Products which contain milk include buttermilk, cheese, chocolate, casein, cakes and many more. It is also important to get a milk free diet sheet for your child. In the case of babies who have milk allergy, parents can use milk formulas made from soy. These milk formulas are available in most supermarkets and you can ask your doctor about them. In some cases, those with mild allergy can tolerate taking small amount of milk especially if it is cooked. However, many doctors warn that anaphylaxis can still happen if you eat too much food with milk.

Those who have milk allergy and other food allergies especially those who manifest severe allergic reactions should have an EpiPen with them at all times. EpiPen is an autoinjectable medication which can combat severe allergic reactions. EpiPen can prevent anaphylaxis. Parents should also coordinate with the school so that the teachers and school nurse are aware of their child’s medical history. You should also teach your children to recognize the signs and symptoms of an allergic attack and to seek help immediately.

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