by David Cowley

Created on: May 21, 2007

Help I Am Allergic To Milk. If you have an Milk Allergy then you suffer from allergies Type 1 what is also called Contact Allergies. When milk products are consumed the immune systems treats the proteins found in milk as harmful or dangerous to the body and overreacts to the perceived invasion by producing antibodies to attack the proteins.

Scientist are unsure as to why some proteins found in foods are consider harmful or dangerous by the immune system. What is known is that antibodies and histamine released into the blood stream during an allergic attack can cause wheezing, nausea, headaches stomach cramps, and hives.

Like most type 1 allergic attacks the onset of symptoms usually occur within a couple of minutes to a couple of hours after eating something containing milk or milk byproducts. Lactose intolerance and being allergic to milk are often mistaken because some of the symptoms are the same for both conditions.

Lactose intolerance involves the digestive system instead of the immune system. The digestive system in lactose intolerant individuals does not produce enough of the enzyme needed to break down the sugar found in milk thus producing symptoms similar to an allergic attack.

Prior to seeing any allergy specialist for testing on milk allergies you will need to stop taking any anti-allergy medication or over the counter antihistamines 2 to 3 days before the test are to be performed. Talk to the allergy specialist if you are unsure about any medications that need to be stopped and for how long.

The allergic to milk testing involves putting a liquid extract of the milk protein on your body, usually the back or forearm, and then scratching the skin slightly. If you develop hives, or red bumps, or the skin turns reddish in color and itches then these symptoms could indicate a positive result for allergies to milk.

Avoidance can be very difficult because milk protein is often hidden in other foods. Milk, ice cream, and cheese obviously need to be avoided. Most baked goods such as breads and muffins use large qualities of milk in the baking process. Soy Cheeses may be milk free but they could contain milk protein and should be avoided. Other foods such as chocolate, processed meats may also contain milk or milk byproducts. Read the labels of every food item that you bring into your home. Because the manufacturing processes change continuously re-read the labels each time you purchase a product.

Avoiding milk and other allergy causing ingredients was made easer after the new laws for manufacturing labeling went into effect on January 2006. All labels should be designed in such a way that a 7-year-old child could read and understand the ingredients.

A growing awareness about food allergies is becoming well known in the United States. Food manufactures and restaurants are becoming more understanding and willing to accommodate people living with food allergies. Living with a Milk Allergy is no longer a major undertaking; it is now just a minor adjustment to your life-style.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.

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