If your child has an intolerance to milk, the problem usually lies in one of two areas. Either he has trouble digesting the milk sugar lactose, or his body's immune system springs into action and attacks the milk proteins casein or whey. The symptoms for each condition are similar, and often a trip to the doctor for allergy testing is necessary to narrow down the root of the problem. Watch for telltale signs and mix up his diet to see whether milk is the culprit.
Step 1
Record any digestive problems your child may have after he consumes dairy products. Common complaints include bloating, cramps, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, especially with lactose intolerance. Bring the results to your doctor on your next visit.
Step 2
Monitor your child for typical signs of food allergy, like wheezing, headache or hives within a few hours of consuming dairy products. Pay close attention to your child's breathing, as a small percentage of kids may suffer from anaphylaxis, which can cause your airways to close.
Step 3
Start an elimination diet for your child to zero in on the problem. Eliminate all dairy products for a two-week period and watch to see whether the symptoms disappear. If they do, slowly introduce the foods back into the diet to see whether the symptoms return.
Step 4
Visit your doctor to inquire about allergy testing. He may refer you to an allergist for a skin test or blood test to uncover a milk intolerance. The blood test measures antibodies in your blood in response to milk, and the skin test is a visual test where your skin is pricked and exposed to milk proteins. Sensitive areas will swell with a hive.
Tips and Warnings
- Read labels closely as you investigate possible milk intolerance, as many products contain milk in the form of whey, casein or lactose.
- Blood tests and skin tests for milk intolerance are not always 100 percent accurate, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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