Allergies to milk and eggs present themselves in early childhood. According to the Food and Anaphylaxis Network, approximately 2.5 percent of children under the age of three are allergic to milk and approximately 1.5 percent of young children are allergic to egg. However, identifying the allergies early on and taking precautions increases the likelihood that your toddler will outgrow the allergies in a few years.
Definition
A milk and egg allergy is when your toddler's body produces an immune system response after consuming the products. Your toddler's immune system identifies the proteins found in milk and eggs as being harmful; therefore, specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies are produced by your toddler's body when it comes into contact with either milk or eggs. The next time your toddler consumes these items, the IgE antibodies release histamine into her bloodstream. Histamines can act upon the cardiovascular system, respiratory system and gastrointestinal system, resulting in allergy symptoms.
Causes
The proteins found in both egg yolk and egg white can cause allergy symptoms. However, an allergic reaction to egg whites is more common in toddlers. The proteins casein and whey found in cow's milk are responsible for causing an allergic reaction to milk. Toddlers who are allergic to cow's milk are also more likely to be allergic to goat, sheep and buffalo milk as well.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of a milk and egg allergy in toddlers is hives. Other egg allergy symptoms include asthma, rhinitis, cramps, nausea, vomiting and anaphylaxis. Wheezing and vomiting are immediate allergy symptoms in a toddler who has a milk allergy. Symptoms of a milk allergy that may take time to develop are bloody diarrhea, colic, runny nose with itchy eyes, stomach cramps and a rash around the toddler's mouth that's itchy. Although it's quite rare, anaphylaxis can also occur.
Diagnosis
To determine whether your toddler has an allergy to milk and eggs, his doctor will ask you to document the foods that your family and child eat; he will also perform a physical exam. He may ask you to perform an elimination diet, whereby you'll need to eliminate milk and egg products from your toddler's diet and then re-introduce them to observe if a reaction has occurred. A skin prick test and blood test may be carried out to confirm the allergies. Additionally, your child's doctor may advise a food challenge test to confirm an egg allergy.
Prevention/Solution
The best way to avoid an allergic reaction is to avoid feeding your toddler egg, milk and food products containing egg or milk. Always check food labels before using a product. Have your toddler wear a medical alert bracelet with information about his allergy. You should also talk to your child and explain that he shouldn't accept food from friends. Inform your toddler's caregivers and school teachers about his allergy.
