According to the Baby Center, there are no conclusive studies performed that show any link between increased chest congestion after drinking milk. If your toddler experiences chest congestion every time she drinks milk, talk with your doctor. The increased chest congestion may be the result of lactose intolerance or a milk allergy. Both conditions are very common in toddlers. A milk allergy is considered one of the most highly allergic foods in children under the age of 3, according to MayoClinic.com. An allergic reaction to milk can be life-threatening and should be assessed by a doctor.
Lactose Intolerance Consideration
Lactose intolerance may increase a toddler's chances of developing increased chest congestion after drinking milk, according to the Baby Center. Lactose intolerance is the inability of the small intestines to produce enough lactase, the enzyme use to break down milk-sugar, or lactose. The toddler will experience excessive bloating, gas, diarrhea and may vomit as a result of being lactose intolerant. Medline Plus, an online resource of the National Institutes of Health, recommends switching to a soy-based formula or avoiding cow's milk products altogether if the child is lactose intolerant.
Milk Allergy
A milk allergy is a likely cause of increased chest congestion after consuming milk in a toddler. A toddler who is allergic to milk has a hypersensitivity to the proteins found in the dairy. When the toddler ingests milk-based products, the immune system mistakes the proteins as harmful substances and attempts to ward them off by creating antibodies and histamine. Histamine is released in various parts of the body containing soft tissue, such as the lungs.
Milk Allergy Effect
The increased levels of histamine in the lungs can cause asthma-like symptoms. Asthma symptoms include chest tightness, chest pain, the inability to breathe, difficulty breathing, wheezing and coughing, according to MayoClinic.com. If the chest congestion is from a milk allergy, the toddler will develop other symptoms, such as eczema, hives, digestive issues, nasal congestion, sneezing, watery eyes and swelling around the mouth.
Treatment
Treat the toddler's chest congestion by calling your doctor for a recommendation. Increase the child's liquid intake to keep the mucus in the chest thin and easily expelled. Run a humidifier in the toddler's room at night to keep the moisture around 50 percent. Expectorants are used to help break up chest congestion but should not be given to a toddler without being prescribed by the pediatrician.
Warning
If the child experiences asthma as a result of a milk allergy, he runs the risk of developing anaphylactic shock. Call your doctor right away if your toddler appears pale, unable to breathe and complains about chest pain.
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