What is Milk Allergy?
An infant's immune system overreacts to proteins in a cow's milk when they have a milk allergy. Every time a newborn drinks milk, the body fights the proteins like dangerous intruders. The body responds to this by releasing histamine and other molecules, resulting in an allergic reaction. Most baby formulas contain cow's milk. Infants with milk allergies may experience their first symptoms days to weeks after ingesting formula containing cow's milk. When their mother has consumed milk products, breastfed babies may exhibit symptoms. However, milk allergy is not the same as lactose intolerance. People become lactose intolerant when an enzyme called lactase is absent in them. Lactase is an enzyme required to break down lactose, a sugar in milk and other dairy products.
What Are the Symptoms of Milk Allergy in Babies?
The signs and symptoms of milk allergy can vary based on age and severity. Babies with milk allergy usually present with the following symptoms after the consumption of milk:
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Skin reactions like rashes or hives.
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Wheezing.
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Difficulty in breathing.
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Abdominal pain.
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Nausea and vomiting.
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Diarrhea.
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Swelling in face, lips, and eyes.
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Watery eyes.
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Hoarseness in voice.
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A feeling of tightness in the throat.
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Lightheadedness.
In certain cases, babies may exhibit delayed reactions like:
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Eczema (a condition that causes dryness, redness, or itchiness in the skin).
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Presence of blood or mucus in the feces or stool.
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Vomiting and diarrhea till 24 hours after the consumption of milk.
What Are the Causes of Milk Allergy in Babies?
Numerous allergens are present in cow's milk, mostly broken into the casein and whey components. Alpha and beta-lactoglobulin, as well as bovine immunoglobulin, are found in whey. Alpha and beta-casein are two of the casein's constituents. While allergies to the casein components frequently last into adolescence or adulthood, allergies to the lactoglobulin components are typically easier for children to outgrow. The body produces immune antibodies against several milk allergens in children and people prone to allergic disorders. These allergic antibodies attach to basophils and mast cells, which are the body's allergic cells. These allergic antibodies link to the milk proteins when milk or dairy products are ingested, prompting the allergic cells to release histamine and other allergic chemicals which are responsible for the allergic reactions.
How Is Milk Allergy Diagnosed in Babies?
The doctor will inquire about the baby's diet, especially the type of milk and other dairy products consumed by the baby. Following this, the baby's medical history will also be asked. A blood test will be advised to check for Ig E immunoglobulins, which is a confirmatory test for milk allergy. Skin testing is also used to test for Ig E immunoglobulins. Skin testing is more reliable than blood testing to identify milk allergy. It is more difficult to diagnose milk allergy reactions that are not Ig E-mediated, and allergy testing is not helpful. Symptoms and the absence of allergy antibodies are typically used to make the diagnosis.
A physician may also advise an oral meal challenge. In order to do this, milk must first be removed from the infant's diet before being gradually added back in a medical setting. If there is a reaction, the doctor can confirm and treat the diagnosis. Due to the possibility of anaphylaxis (body goes into shock due to release of chemicals by immune system), healthcare professionals carry out this procedure in a medical setting.
How Is Milk Allergy Treated in Babies?
Doctors advise parents to carry over-the-counter antihistamine medications if the babies have mild allergic reactions to the milk. In severe cases of milk allergy, the doctors prescribe Epinephrine auto-injectors. An Epinephrine auto-injector is a prescription drug available in compact, convenient packaging and is simple to use. The doctor will show the parents how to use it. Children who are old enough can be taught how to administer the injection on their own. If they carry Epinephrine, it should be in hand and not hidden away in a locker or the nurse's office.
At medical universities worldwide, oral immunotherapy (OIT) for milk allergy is now being researched, with encouraging results. OIT comprises gradually increasing the amount of milk protein given orally to those with milk allergies in very small doses over time. Over time, a person can frequently tolerate fairly high levels of milk protein as a result. However, it's crucial to understand that OIT for milk allergies can be risky and is only ever carried out in university settings under close medical supervision. It will probably be many years before your local allergist does OIT for milk allergy.
What Are the Measures to Avoid Milk Allergies in Babies?
If a breastfed baby exhibits the symptoms of milk allergy, it could be due to the consumption of cow milk by the mothers. The proteins in the cow milk are transferred to the breast milk, which might result in milk allergy in the baby. Breastfeeding mothers can take advice from a doctor or a dietician to change their diet.
If a baby who shows milk allergy is formula fed, the doctor may suggest switching to a formula that has been extensively hydrolyzed or an amino acid-based formula in which the proteins have been broken down into particles. Commercial formulas which are produced using a highly specialized procedure that cannot be replicated at home are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The best approach to determine whether a product is milk-free when the child is ready for solid foods is to read the food label.
Conclusion
Some babies and young children may have an allergy to milk due to various reasons. Mild to severe symptoms of milk allergy can appear in many different ways. The most typical symptoms are abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and skin reactions like hives or eczema. If parents notice milk allergy symptoms in their babies, it is essential to consult a doctor. Diagnostic methods for milk allergy include skin tests, blood tests, and oral food challenges. Avoiding milk and other dairy products is the best treatment for milk allergy. However, 50% of the children with milk allergy will outgrow it by their first birthday and more than 75% by their third birthday.
