Although whey only makes up about 20 percent of cow's milk, a person with a whey allergy should avoid all dairy products, according to Kids Health. The other 80 percent of milk is considered curd and may not cause an allergic reaction in someone with a whey allergy. Most doctors recommend complete abstinence of milk because of the changes of cross-contamination. A person with a whey allergy needs to modify his diet in order to prevent an allergic reaction, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Identification
Most people with a whey allergy are under the age of three, but the allergy can still affect adults. Whey is a specific protein found in milk that can cause a person's immune system to overreact. A patient with a whey allergy has a hypersensitivity to the protein and will cause the immune system to mistakenly protect itself by attacking the protein. The release of IgE antibodies begins a chemical reaction in the body that signals mast cells to produce histamine. Histamine is the chemical in the body that causes allergy symptoms.
Diet
Someone with a whey allergy needs to completely remove all dairy products from her diet. Do not modify the diet without consulting with a medical doctor. The Cleveland Clinic recommends that the patient add more vegetables high in vitamin D because dairy products are a major supply of the vitamin. Read the product labels of pre-packaged foods to identify milk-based ingredients. Replace diary products with vegan or milk-alternatives, such as soy milk or rice-based cheese.
Infant Consideration
Most people with a whey allergy are under the age of three. Developing a diet for an infant will be different than that for an adult. Breastfeeding is considered the best source of nutrition for a baby with a whey allergy, according to the Mayo Clinic. A baby that is not breastfed with a whey allergy will have to use non-milk based formulas, such as soy or rice. Other hypoallergenic formulas may be useful for an infant with a whey allergy. Talk with the infant's pediatrician.
Other Treatments
If the allergy symptoms to whey are minor, an oral antihistamine can help alleviate common symptoms, such as skin rashes, sneezing and nasal congestion, according to the Mayo Clinic. Over-the-counter drugs are not intended for young children. Read the product label and discuss it with the doctor before using any drug on a child.
Warning
A severe whey allergy can lead to anaphylactic shock, requiring an injection of epinephrine, according to Kids Health. Experts at the Mayo Clinic recommend that a person with a severe allergy to whey wear a medical bracelet.
