Buttermilk is a type of milk product that can cause an allergic reaction if you have a sensitivity to cow's milk proteins. This type of sensitivity is better known as milk allergy. Allergies to the proteins in cow's milk are common among young children, but the Cleveland Clinic explains that these typically disappear by age five. But adults, too, can still have a milk allergy and must avoid milk products like buttermilk in order to avoid possible life-threatening symptoms.
Ingredients
The primary ingredient in buttermilk is milk. Therefore, if you have been diagnosed with milk allergies, buttermilk should be avoided. The second ingredient in buttermilk is the liquid remains of churned butter. Commercially, bacteria is added to help convert sugar into lactic acid, giving buttermilk its distinct sour taste. Milk proteins, which are the culprits of milk allergy, are still present in buttermilk but are diluted by the lactic acid.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a buttermilk allergy vary depending on how severe your sensitivity to milk is. Your skin may itch and break out into hives or eczema, especially if your skin touches buttermilk. Drinking buttermilk with a milk allergy can cause your neck, lips, and mouth to swell. Other symptoms may include wheezing, breathing difficulties, nausea, vomiting, fainting, abdominal pain and dizziness. According to the Calgary Allergy Network, symptoms can occur within minutes or up to four hours after exposure. A severe allergic reaction can occur, called anaphylaxis, in which your body goes into shock. Anaphylaxis is potentially fatal.
Treatment
The Calgary Allergy Network explains that mild symptoms of a buttermilk allergy are treated with over-the-counter antihistamines such as Zyrtec and Benadryl. These medications help block histamine from emitting out of your body, which helps relieve symptoms. If you have breathing troubles, you are at risk of anaphylaxis. In this case, you will need to visit the emergency room to receive an epinephrine injection to help stop the allergic reaction.
Prevention
Avoid buttermilk if you have allergic reactions to it. You also want to avoid milk and milk products, such as yogurt, cheese, sour cream, butter, ice cream, half and half, custard, cottage cheese and cream. You may also want to steer clear of milk from other animals such as goats, since they carry proteins similar to cows. Check all food labels for milk and milk ingredients. The Cleveland Clinic reports that if you are sensitive to cow milk proteins, you may also be sensitive to beef.
Misconceptions
According to the Cleveland Clinic, allergies to cow products like buttermilk are commonly misconceived as lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is a condition in which your body cannot handle lactose, a type of sugar present in buttermilk and other dairy products. Unlike buttermilk allergies, lactose intolerance symptoms are primarily gastrointestinal and may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, gas, vomiting and bloating.
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