Milk allergies are more common in children, but they can affect anyone, with symptoms ranging from skin rashes and digestive upset to, in extreme cases, anaphylaxis.
Overview
What is a milk allergy?
Your body mistakenly treats the proteins found in organic milk as a threat and releases antibodies which cause the reaction.
Is a milk intolerance and an allergy the same thing?
No. A milk intolerance is frequently an intolerance to milk sugar (lactose) – although you can be intolerant to proteins. A milk allergy is always a reaction to milk proteins and symptoms can be more serious.
What are the symptoms?
Typical symptoms range from digestive discomfort to respiratory issues, skin rashes and, in worst cases, anaphylaxis..
How do I know if I have an allergy?
A simple blood test is all you need. Book yours now.
Did You Know?
So many people are switching to non-animal-based milk alternatives like soy and almond milk, that dairy farmers are experiencing an organic milk surplus.
Are you or your child allergic to milk – or just intolerant?
6-8% of children and around 2% of adults suffer from food allergies. Milk allergies are more common in children – and especially so in those who may have or have had eczema. Yet it is not unheard of for adults to develop milk allergies in their 30s and 40s.
Around three quarters of children with cows’ milk allergies will grow out of them between the ages of 3 and 5, and it is possible to use diet to ‘train’ the body out of its allergy. But allergic symptoms can be worrying and, in extreme cases, life threatening so it’s important to know whether you or your child have a milk allergy (potentially serious) or an intolerance (uncomfortable but not usually serious).
The problem is that there’s a lot of overlap between the symptoms. There are two types of milk intolerance, one to the sugars in milk (lactose) and the other to the proteins. Lactose intolerance can cause digestive problems such as bloating and diarrhoea. Protein intolerance can cause similar digestive discomfort, but also headaches, migraines, skins rashes, sinusitis and more.
And a milk allergy (which is a reaction to the proteins within milk) can trigger a wide range of symptoms, including many of the ones associated with intolerances.
In many instances, the only way to know for sure whether you or your child has a milk allergy or intolerance is to test for it.
What types of milks can trigger allergies?
All animal-based milks possess similar proteins, so all could trigger allergies. Because so many foods contain milk - from cakes to chocolate to spreads and cheese - it can be very difficult to avoid milk, but substitute products (containing soy, almond and coconut milk) are becoming increasingly easy to source.
What are the symptoms of an allergy?
Milk allergies can trigger a range of conditions, including skin rashes, digestive discomfort (bloating, abdominal cramps) watery eyes, a runny nose, shortness of breath and, in the most severe cases, anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis can be life threatening. If you have a severe allergy to milk, talk to your doctor about carrying epinephrine. If you experience shortness of breath, feel faint and have clammy skin and a racing heartbeat after consuming milk or milk proteins, dial 999.
How do I get tested?
Better2Know offers a simple blood test designed to check for a wide range of animal-based milks and milk proteins including:
- Alpha-lactalbumin – milk proteins
- Beta-lactoglobulin – milk proteins
- Casein – milk proteins
- Cow’s Milk
- Goat’s Milk
- Mare’s Milk
- Sheep’s Milk
- Whey (cow and ewe)
Once you know whether you have a milk allergy (and to which milk) you can control your diet and avoid your ‘trigger’ foods with confidence.
To book your test, contact Better2Know now on the number above to speak to a member of our team.