If consuming dairy products causes soreness in your muscles, you may have a milk allergy. During an allergic reaction, the integrity of your tissues is compromised because of the production of various chemicals, such as antibodies and histamine. This disturbance of your tissues can cause irritation, swelling and pain in your muscles and other soft tissues in your body. If you develop muscle soreness after drinking milk, see your healthcare provider or allergist for an evaluation.
Diary Allergy
Milk is one of the most common food allergens that can trigger a wide range of symptoms that are mild to severe. When you're allergic to milk, the proteins in the dairy product cause your immune system to react in an abnormal way. The body attempts to fight off the allergen by creating defensive chemicals called immunoglobulin E antibodies. The release of these antibodies causes tiny explosions throughout your body, releasing histamine into your soft tissue, according to AskDrSears.com. The presence of histamine leads to the dilation of blood vessels, which causes common dairy allergy symptoms.
Sore Muscles
As histamine levels increase throughout your body, you will experience an increasing amount of varied symptoms. Soreness in your muscles occurs because of inflammation and swelling that occurs. Common places to feel sore muscles are in your lungs or chest, sinuses and your abdomen. Soreness in your chest is because of spasms that are occurring in your lungs. Your sinuses may become inflamed, which will lead to facial pressure and pain in various places. Abdominal muscle pain may be accompanied by diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
Treatment
The most effective treatment for a dairy allergy is avoidance of all milk-based products. Dairy allergies are incurable and can lead to further health complications if milk is not eliminated from your diet. Avoid obvious dairy products, such as milk, butter, coffee creamer, ice cream, yogurt and cheeses. Other hidden sources of milk, according to MayoClinic.com, include casein, whey, candy, protein powders, artificial flavors and any ingredient that begins with "lact". The government requires all food products to include an allergy warning if they contain any form of milk.
Complications
The most common complication with muscle soreness from a dairy allergy is anaphylaxis. If too much histamine is released in your muscles and other soft tissues, your muscles will constrict and can prevent you from breathing, your blood pressure to drop and your heart to race.
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