Among the 12 million Americans who suffer from food allergies, people who are allergic to dairy products are quite common, according to the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network. Although allergies to milk and eggs are more prevalent in children, they can occur at any age. The onset and severity of symptoms varies in individuals. Recognizing the symptoms of dairy allergies is important in early diagnosis and in the prevention of allergic reactions in the future.
Hives
Hives, also known as urticaria, are the most common symptom of a dairy allergy, according to staff at at Health Central. Hives develop when the skin tissues release histamine and other chemicals into your bloodstream. This results in hives, which which are red, itchy, raised welts on the surface of your skin. Hives can occur anywhere on your body including around your eyes, lips, hands, feet and throat.
Gastrointestinal
Gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting usually occur almost immediately according to the MayoClinic.com, after coming into contact with dairy products. Other symptoms may take longer to develop. You may experience painful abdominal cramping, diarrhea or loose stools, which may be bloody.
Asthma
Shortly after consuming dairy products you may experience the symptoms of allergic asthma. Allergic asthma is caused by an inflammation of the bronchial tubes in the lungs, which is a result of your body releasing histamine and other chemicals into your bloodstream, according to USA Today Health. Wheezing is often an early sign, accompanied by a tightening of the chest, coughing which leads to feeling breathless and difficulty inhaling and exhaling.
Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is also commonly known as hay fever. The symptoms of hay fever develop as a result of the inflammation of the mucus lining or membranes of the nose, according to Medline Plus, a publication of the National Institutes of Health. Adjacent areas of the face are also commonly affected, including the eyes, ears, throat and sinuses. Common symptoms of allergic rhinitis are a runny congested nose, watery eyes, sneezing, a sore throat and clogged ears.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a potentially fatal and severe dairy allergy symptom if left untreated, although it's quite rare. Symptoms of anaphylaxis can occur immediately after consuming dairy products and include, swelling in your throat which constricts the airways making it difficult to breathe. You will also experience shock accompanied by a sharp drop in blood pressure. Your pulse will quicken and you may feel light headed or lose consciousness altogether. Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical attention and treatment with a epinephrine injection, according to MayoClinic.com.
