Milk contains many essential nutrients for children and adults, and milk proteins are found in all dairy products such as cheese, butter, cream, yogurt, ice cream and numerous manufactured products. Unfortunately, cow milk allergy is one of the most common allergies in children under age 3, and 20% of children do not outgrow this by age 6. According to The Parents' Guide to Food Allergies, you may develop allergic reactions by either touching, eating or drinking milk or dairy products, or simply breathing in fumes or products made or mixed with milk ingredients. The first sign of an allergic reaction is a tingling feeling in the mouth, but other symptoms may occur within a few minutes or a few hours after exposure.
Skin Reactions
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, an allergic reaction to milk may result in eczema or hives. Eczema, medically termed as atopic dermatitis, starts out as an itch that develops into white pimples with a red center. If the rashes are not treated, they will turn into dry, thick scales over time. Hives, or urticaria, are red, swollen and itchy welts on the skin that usually last for a few hours. Some people may develop chronic urticaria, and it is extremely uncomfortable but not life-threatening. Make an appointment with your doctor if you or your child develops these symptoms after ingesting or touching milk products to discuss how to manage the condition.
Respiratory Symptoms
An allergic reaction may trigger an allergic (extrinsic) asthma, states The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Asthma-like symptoms include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. These symptoms usually occur immediately and continue for a few hours. Seek immediate medical advice if you or a child develops these symptoms, as they may get worse over a short period of time.
Digestive Symptoms
According to The Parents' Guide to Food Allergies, a person allergic to milk may have abdominal pain or cramping, and nothing else. However, others may experience vomiting, diarrhea, or loose stools within a few minutes or hours of eating food with a milk ingredient. If you or your child experiences these symptoms, make an immediate appointment with a medical provider as these symptoms may indicate anaphylaxis, a rapidly-developing, life-threatening allergic reaction.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that affects several systems of the body all at once. The Parents' Guide to Food Allergies says the reaction may involve wheezing, vomiting or hives on more than one area of the body. Anaphylactic symptoms, which include swelling of the lips, tongue, mouth or throat, can block the airways and impede breathing. Anaphylaxis may also include itchiness with a rash and a sneezing and itchy, runny nose. Other symptoms are weakness, fainting, or chest pain with a rapid or irregular heart beat. In severe cases, an allergic reaction can result to shock or loss of consciousness. Anaphylaxis can progress rapidly and become life-threatening quickly, so The Parents' Guide to Food Allergies advices you should call 911 at the first symptom of anaphylaxis and seek emergency medical attention.
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