Dairy allergy is the most common food allergy in children ages three and younger, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. There are two types of milk protein in dairy that can cause an allergic reaction: casein, in the solid part or curd; and whey, in the liquid part after milk curdles. According to the Mayo Clinic, toddlers who are allergic to dairy will react to toddlers' milk formula, cow's milk, cheese, butter, yogurt and ice cream. Dairy products made from goat, sheep and buffalo may also cause allergic reactions similar to products made from cow's milk. Toddlers may also react to food that contains hidden sources of dairy or milk protein such as candies, chocolates, nougat, caramel, artificial butter or cheese flavor.
Hives and Swelling
Toddlers with dairy allergy may experience hives and swelling within minutes to an hour after eating or drinking dairy products, notes Dr. Yvan Vandenplas in a 2007 issue of "Archives of Disease in Childhood." Hives are red, warm, itchy, raised bumps that appear anywhere on the body. They usually disappear on their own a few hours after the toddler has stopped eating the offending food. Angioedema is swelling that may occur on the lips, eyelids, throat, tongue, hands and feet. Swelling is usually not itchy or red but is usually seen with hives. A swollen tongue or throat can block the airways and therefore need immediate medical attention.
Vomiting and Diarrhea
Toddlers with dairy allergy may continue to show symptoms up to 20 hours after ingestion, according to Vandenplas. These symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting and general paleness. Physicians may advise parents of dairy-allergic toddlers to continue observing their children for more severe reactions or complications from loss of fluid. Diarrhea and vomiting may also continue or return a few days after exposure to dairy products. Severe diarrhea and vomiting may require medical care.
Eczema
Eczema may develop in toddlers with dairy allergy within a day up to several days after eating or drinking dairy products, reports Vandenplas. Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, starts out as a red, itchy rash on the toddler's face, scalp, inner forearm, behind the knees and opposite the elbows. When a toddler scratches the rash, the skin becomes dry, thick, scaly, brownish and progressively itchy, describes the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America. Toddlers with family history of allergy are more likely to develop eczema.
Asthma
Dairy allergy may also cause asthma or respiratory symptoms in young children days after exposure to the offending food, says Vandenplas. Signs of asthma attack in toddlers include noisy breathing, wheezing or panting, breathing at more than 20 to 30 breaths per minute, coughing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. However, asthma in young children is difficult to diagnose because toddlers cannot communicate their feelings properly. They may continue to be active in spite of chest tightness or difficulty breathing. The Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America lists several symptoms of a potentially-serious asthma attack. These symptoms include extreme paleness in the child's face, lips or fingernails, rapidly moving nostrils, ribs or stomach moving deeply and rapidly, expanded chest that fails to deflate when the child inhales, and failure to respond to parents. These symptoms may require immediate medical attention.
References
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: Statistics: Food Allergy
- Mayo Clinic: Milk Allergy
- "Archives of Disease in Childhood"; Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Cow's Milk Protein Allergy in Infants; Yvan Vandenplas; October 2007
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Asthma in Infants
