Merely drinking milk or eating dairy foods does not directly trigger eczema or wheezing. However, people with a milk allergy may develop symptoms related to wheezing with eczema when they are exposed to milk and dairy products. Dairy products include milk, butter, margarine, yogurt, ice cream and cream. Milk ingredients are found in most baked goods, breakfast cereals and many food products. Eczema, asthma and other symptoms of a milk allergy may develop within minutes to days after exposure.
Causes of Milk Allergy
When someone with a milk allergy eats food that contain milk, the immune system mounts a response and creates antibodies that recognize and attack the milk proteins. The body also releases histamines and other immune system chemicals that cause the allergic symptoms. Histamine released in the stomach causes vomiting, diarrhea and cramps. Histamine released in the skin produces hives and eczema. Histamine released in the lungs inflames the lung tissues, leading to asthma. A severe milk allergy usually triggers several reactions at the same time.
Wheezing and Asthma
For people with a milk allergy, asthma occurs when the lung tissues become inflamed, causing the airways to release excess mucus and narrow. The blocked air passages cause wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. According a 2010 report published in the "Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology," a food allergy is a risk factor for severe asthma. People with milk and other food allergies may have more severe asthma attacks and have more hospitalizations than those without food allergies.
Eczema
Although not everyone with eczema has food allergies, people with a milk allergy usually have symptoms related to eczema when they consume dairy products. Eczema appears as an extremely itchy, dry, scaly rash that becomes weepy and infected with scratching and irritation. According to the 2010 "Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology" article, produced by a panel of experts, milk and other food allergies may worsen eczema. Further, those who develop both eczema and respiratory symptoms such as wheezing are less likely to outgrow their food allergies. On the other hand, eczema will not recur or worsen for people who have outgrown their food allergies.
Treatment
The best way to deal with a milk allergy is to completely avoid all sources of milk and dairy products. Always read food labels and avoid products and foods that contain whey, casein, lactose, caramel, artificial butter or milk in the ingredients. Carry an injectable epinephrine, which stops an allergic reaction, at all times. Eczema rash may be treated with hydrocortisone or anthistamine. Treating asthma requires either quick-relief bronchodilators or controller medications, so consult with your doctor if your milk allergy causes wheezing or shortness of breath. Call 911 immediately if you have difficulty breathing, massive swelling, vomiting or severe itchiness as these may be signs of a severe allergic reaction.
