People at any age can have a milk allergy, however, it’s more common among babies. Many babies outgrow it, while others don’t

How Milk Allergy Takes Place

When a baby has milk allergy it means that his immune system that is responsible to fight infection reacts against proteins present in cow’s milk. Whenever this protein enters the body, the body deals with it as a foreign body and works hard to fight it.

Milk allergy is different from Lactose intolerance that happens due to the inability of the body to ingest Milk.

When Milk Allergy Appears in Babies

First signs of milk allergy appear days or weeks after the first time of feeding cow’s milk. Breastfed babies are less likely to show any signs of milk allergy than those who depend on formula milk.

After than signs show up either right after having milk, others have problems hours or days later.

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms that take place right after having milk

• Wheezing
• Trouble breathing
• Coughing
• Hoarseness
• Throat tightness
• Stomach upset
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Itchy, watery, or swollen eyes
• Hives
• Red spots
• Swelling
• A drop in blood pressure causing lightheadedness or loss of consciousness

signs that appear hours or days later

• Loose stools (possibly with blood)
• Vomiting or gagging
• Refusal to eat
• Irritability or colic
• Skin rashes, like eczema
   

How to Avoid Milk Allergy

If the baby is breastfed

- It’s important for the mother to avoid dairy products as the proteins that exist in them can cross to the mother’s milk.

- Read the ingredients carefully while buying food

- Ask your doctor about alternatives to take your daily need of calcium

If you are formula feeding

- Consult the doctor which in turn prescribes a less sensitive formula

- Don’t try your own formula. Commercial formulas are approved by the FDA

- Other types of milk like rice milk, almond milk, or coconut milk might be safer for older children, but they’re not suitable for infants

Sources

kidshealth