Symptoms of Dairy Allergies
Dairy is an important component of good health. For individuals with a dairy allergy, however, it can be deadly. Casein and whey are the most common of dairy allergens. Symptoms range from mild to severe. The allergy is more prevalent in children; however, some outgrow the allergy, while others retain it throughout adulthood.
-
Types
-
Identifying foods that contain dairy can be daunting. Dairy includes all types of milk--from cows, goat or sheep. All cheese, butter, yogurt, cottage cheese, ice cream and other basic milk products are cause for concern. Casein and whey are found in many processed foods, including tuna fish, mayonnaise, dressings, soups and deli meat. Coconut milk also contains a natural form of casein.
Misconceptions
-
A dairy allergy is not a dairy intolerance. In a dairy allergy, the immune system attacks milk proteins, either casein or whey, causing an allergic reaction. Dairy allergies attack the immune system and are absorbed into the blood. Milk intolerance is due to a deficiency of the enzyme lactase, with minor to moderate systems that affect the digestive tract.
-
Time Frame
-
Allergy symptoms can arise within minutes after eating a dairy component, or up to a day later. The first indicators are a red rash or hives, followed by vomiting and/or diarrhea.
Effects
-
Skin reactions consist of an itchy, red rash; hives; and eczema. Minor reactions include a runny nose, sneezing, watery or itchy eyes and nasal congestion. Other symptoms are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal cramps. More severe reactions consist of wheezing, shortness of breath, or swelling of the lips, mouth or tongue, which can quickly advance to anaphylactic shock.
Prevention/Solution
-
Total avoidance of dairy-based products, homemade items and other cuisines that contain milk protein is critical. Always read labels on processed foods. Carry an ingredient list of other tags for dairy protein. If you are anaphylactic, be aware of cross-contamination where dairy products or dairy components may have been prepared. Carry a doctor-prescribed EpiPen at all times.
Significance
-
Look for a "D" on the label, which indicates if a product contains dairy, or "DE" if the item was produced on dairy machinery. Dairy alternatives are abundant. Rice and soy-based products can easily be substituted for dairy. Look for names like Soy Silk, Rice Dream, Galaxy Traditional Vegan and Tofutti.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit iLexx (iStockphoto)
