If you think you may have a dairy allergy, you are not alone. A growing number of people are realizing that they are allergic to common foods. But what exactly is a dairy allergy?
An allergy occurs when the body mistakenly identifies a substance as harmful. In an effort to protect itself from what it perceives as a foreign body, it releases an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). This sets off the allergic reaction. In the case of milk, the substances in question are the proteins casein and whey,
Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include rashes, hives, difficulty breathing, wheezing, abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea and vomiting. In some cases, there may also be blood in the stool. When the allergic reaction is severe, anaphylactic shock can occur. If medical attention isn’t provided rapidly, this can be fatal.
It is important to realize that a dairy allergy is not the same thing as lactose intolerance. Intolerances occur when the body lacks the proper enzyme to break down a substance in the small intestine. Since it can’t break it down, it is pushed on through to the large intestine. This is what causes the bloating, gas, cramping, nausea and diarrhea. In the case of lactose intolerance, the body doesn’t have proper amounts of lactase.
Young children are more likely to have food allergies, including an allergy to dairy products. Thankfully, most outgrow their allergy and can go on to eat the foods without a problem. It is believed that only 2 to 2.5 percent of adults have true food allergies.
Another group with a higher risk of dairy allergies is those that have close family members with food allergies. Because of this, pediatricians often recommend treating young children as if they do have the allergy if their parents or siblings have it.
Many food allergies are diagnosed after patients begin keeping a food diary. This can help you associate your symptoms with specific foods. Once you have determined your suspect foods, you can then try an elimination diet. In an elimination diet, you take out all common allergenic foods from your diet. Once symptoms have disappeared, you add foods back one at a time to see which ones provoke the return of symptoms.
When doing an elimination diet to confirm a dairy allergy, keep in mind that casein, the enzyme that is most likely the problem, is found in more than just dairy products. It may also be found in breath mints, bakery glazes, ice cream, nutrition bars, infant formula, whipped toppings, coffee whiteners, salad dressings and processed meats. You need to take the time to read all food labels carefully to determine if casein is a component of the food.
There are also blood and skin allergy tests that your physician can arrange. These are generally used if it is suspected that you may have more than one food allergy or if you have been unable to determine the suspect food.
Treatment of a dairy allergy involves avoiding the allergenic substance. Extra scrutiny of food labels is necessary to ensure you don’t inadvertently expose yourself to the allergen. For parents of infants, a switch to soy-based formula may be necessary.
Depending on the severity of your allergic reaction when exposed to dairy products, it might be prudent to keep allergy medication on hand. If symptoms are generally mild, an over the counter antihistamine such as Benadryl will usually suffice.
In the case of severe allergies, your doctor may prescribe emergency epinephrine. This comes in a ready to use injector called an Epipen or Twinjet. It should be carried with you at all times. You may also want to let coworkers and family members know about your allergy and where you keep your injector. That way if you are unable to inject yourself, they can do it for you as well as summon emergency assistance.
If you do have a dairy allergy, it is important that you remember to get your calcium and Vitamin D from other sources. These are vital nutrients your body needs to function properly. Salmon, beans and green vegetables are just a few of the foods that can provide calcium. Fortified cereals, breads and juices, along with brief sun exposure, can provide Vitamin D. A supplement may be necessary to ensure you are getting adequate nutrition.
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