Some women with food sensitivities or allergies report vaginal discharge when they have an allergic reaction. It is possible for a dairy allergy to cause a white vaginal discharge, but be aware that the most common cause for the sudden appearance of this type of discharge is a yeast infection. A white vaginal discharge also is common during pregnancy and is not abnormal unless it is accompanied by itching or burning.
Related Symptoms
The most common symptoms of a dairy allergy are diarrhea, cramping and bloating. Respiratory symptoms include a runny nose, itchy eyes and breathing problems. If you experience swelling in your throat and mouth after eating dairy food, contact your health care provider immediately. This is a sign of a potential health emergency. If your white vaginal discharge is caused by a dairy allergy, you will experience at least some of these other symptoms.
Other Causes
The natural pattern of vaginal discharge increases and decreases throughout the month. Following menstruation, there can be little or no vaginal discharge. As your body gets closer to ovulation, it is normal for discharge to increase, become thicker and sometimes appear white. A thick, white discharge accompanied by burning and itching is a sign of candidiasis, a vaginal yeast infection. Consult your health care provider if you experience any type of burning, itching, pain or odor.
Allergic Discharges
The body has two main reactions to defend itself against allergens and irritants. One is edema or swelling, and the other is mucus secretion. Increased mucus secretion helps to remove the irritant or allergen. Your vagina and cervix both have mucus membranes that are the source of normal vaginal mucus. These membranes can lead to increased vaginal discharge in the case of any allergic reaction, including a dairy allergy.
Treatments
The only reliable treatment for a dairy allergy is avoiding dairy products and processed dairy additives in commercial foods. Whey and casein are the two main types of dairy protein that cause allergic reactions. Many commercial snacks and cookies contain powdered dairy protein in the form of whey. Don't rely on statements that foods are "non-dairy." Casein is a major ingredient in cheese alternatives, and whey is found in "non-dairy" creamers.
References
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; Food Allergy -- An Overview; November 2010
- "National Women's Health Report"; Stress Management and Healthy Diets -- Strategies for Allergy and Asthma Relief; Pamela Peeke; August 2005
- "Medscape General Medicine"; Are Vaginal Symptoms Ever Normal -- A Review of the Literature; Matthew Anderson, et al.; November 2004
