An allergy to dairy products occurs when your body's immune system believes that certain proteins found in cow's milk are harmful. If you have a dairy allergy, ingestion of dairy products made from cow's milk can cause you to experience a severe allergic reaction, which can require immediate emergency medical attention. Treatment of a dairy allergy involves avoiding dairy products entirely.
Nausea or Vomiting
If you have a dairy allergy, two of the first symptoms you can develop after ingesting a dairy product are nausea or vomiting. Such symptoms typically occur immediately after ingesting dairy, according to doctors at the Mayo Clinic.
Hives
A dairy allergy can cause immediate and severe skin reactions to occur after eating or handling dairy products. If you eat or handle cheese, milk or yogurt, you can develop inflamed, itchy patches of skin---a symptom called hives. Hives can cause large, swollen welts to appear anywhere on your body and can cause the skin to sting or burn. A dairy allergy can also cause the insides of your mouth to itch and your lips can appear enlarged and swollen after coming in contact with dairy.
Wheezing
Breathing difficulties can develop immediately after eating dairy products if you have a dairy allergy. Symptoms of breathing difficulties can include coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath. A severe allergic reaction to dairy---called anaphylaxis---is life-threatening and can cause you to stop breathing or lose consciousness after eating diary. If this occurs, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Runny Nose
An allergy to dairy can cause nasal congestion to develop after eating dairy products. Your nose can be runny or itchy, which can also lead to watery or itchy eyes.
Diarrhea
Certain people with a dairy allergy can exhibit gastrointestinal symptoms after ingesting dairy. Diarrhea, which causes loose or watery stool production, is a common symptom of a dairy allergy. You may also notice blood within your stools.
Stomach Cramps
If you have a dairy allergy, you may experience stomach cramps shortly after eating a dairy product. The severity of stomach cramps may vary depending upon the amount of dairy products ingested.
Bloating or Gas
Individuals who have a dairy allergy can experience excessive bloating or gas after eating dairy products. These symptoms typically occur within the stomach or intestine and can be uncomfortable for some people. The severity of gas or bloating may range from mild to moderate, depending on the amount of dairy products ingested.
