Overview
A milk allergy is one of the most common types of food allergy. Your immune system overreacts to one or more of the proteins in milk you’ve ingested (eaten or drunk). Cow’s milk is the most common cause of a milk allergy. However, other types of animal milk, including goat’s milk and sheep’s milk, may cause your immune system to react.
You may have a true milk allergy as a result of an immune system reaction. There are also other reactions to foods as well, including:
- Milk protein intolerance in infants.
- Lactose intolerance in older children and adults.
A milk allergy can be deadly. If you have severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as trouble breathing, call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to your nearest emergency room (ER) immediately.
Who does a milk allergy affect?
A milk allergy can affect anyone of any age. However, it’s more common in children under 16. Many children with a milk allergy will outgrow it. Nearly all babies with milk protein intolerance will outgrow those symptoms.
A milk allergy can develop in formula-fed and breastfed (chestfed) babies.
How common is a milk allergy?
A milk allergy is relatively common. Approximately 2% of all children in the U.S. have a milk allergy.
How does a milk allergy affect my body?
A milk allergy causes an allergic reaction in your body. An allergic reaction is your body’s response to an allergen.
If you have a milk allergy, your body responds by creating immunoglobulin E (IgE) after your first exposure to milk. IgE are antibodies your immune system makes. Your body makes many different types of IgE, which target specific kinds of allergens. IgE antibodies bind to mast cells (allergy cells) in your skin, respiratory tract (airways) and cardiovascular system. When they encounter milk proteins, they release histamine. Histamine is what causes your allergy symptoms.
IgE reactions happen quickly after ingesting milk. Reactions may include anaphylaxis, which is a severe allergic reaction that may cause death.
Other reactions to milk aren’t the result of the allergy antibody. Your reaction to milk is slower than an IgE-mediated reaction. It may take up to 48 hours to develop.
Milk is one of the most common triggers for a non-IgE reaction in babies. Most non-IgE food allergies, including milk, aren’t life-threatening. Reactions may include milk protein intolerance.
Why did I suddenly become allergic to milk?
Healthcare providers and medical researchers aren’t exactly sure why people suddenly develop a milk allergy.
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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