Approximately 2.5 percent of children younger than 3 years of age are allergic to milk, according to the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network. Whey, a protein in milk, is one of the allergens found within milk. With information on allergic reactions, prevention and treatment, you will be better prepared to deal with a whey allergy in your child or yourself.
Sources
Most people consume whey through cow's milk. However, it is also present in buffalo, goat and sheep milk. Additionally, whey is an ingredient often added to processed food products, requiring careful reading of food labels for allergic individuals.
Reaction
For allergic people, eating whey causes a reaction in anywhere from a few minutes to hours after eating it, reports the Mayo Clinic website. Wheezing, throwing up and developing hives are quick-onset symptoms, whereas symptoms taking longer to display themselves encompass loose stools or diarrhea, coughing, watering eyes, running noses, abdominal cramps, and rashes. These symptoms can be minor or severe and are individual to the person. Although uncommon, whey can cause anaphylaxis, with itchiness, a flushed face, swelling of the throat and shock. This is a dangerous condition requiring medical assistance.
Tests
Doctors verify a food allergy by requiring you to write a food diary and home in on an allergy by trial and error. After that, skin and blood tests may determine an allergy to milk. A skin test involves exposing the skin to milk proteins to test for a reaction of hives. However, the Mayo Clinic website notes that flaws exist with skin tests. Blood tests are the other option. A laboratory looks at a blood sample for antibodies. This test shows your susceptibility to a milk allergy, although the Mayo Clinic website explains that this test is also skewed. A general doctor or allergy specialist performs these tests.
Considerations
Although a reaction to milk could indicate a whey allergy, the Mayo Clinic website suggests it could instead show intolerance to milk protein or lactose. Intolerance causes symptoms in the digestive system, rather than the immune system. Diarrhea, gas and bloating are symptoms of this condition.
Prevention/Solution
Avoiding whey constitutes the only surefire method of preventing an allergic reaction. The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network advocates substituting other liquids for milk. The network suggests soy or rice milk, water, or juice for use in cooking and baking as well as to drink. For small children, the network encourages casein-hydrolysate formula. Its properties are altered to generally prevent allergies to it. A soy formula is substituted for children not allergic to soy. The Mayo Clinic website explains that breast-feeding may avert an allergy to milk. If exposure to whey does occur, antihistamines may alleviate allergic symptoms. Severe cases could warrant epinephrine shots and a hospital visit. A doctor may suggest that you carry an EpiPen in case of an emergency.
