Milk allergy is one of the most common childhood food allergies, although it can affect people of all ages. It occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly identifies milk proteins as harmful and overreacts. It's important to distinguish between a milk allergy and lactose intolerance, which is a digestive issue, not an immune response.

Symptoms of a Milk Allergy:

Milk allergy symptoms can vary widely and affect different parts of the body. Reactions can occur within minutes to hours after consuming milk or milk products. Some common symptoms include:

• Skin: Hives, itching, rash, eczema, swelling (especially of the face, lips, or tongue)
• Digestive System: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, colic (in infants)
• Respiratory System: Wheezing, coughing, runny nose, difficulty breathing
• Oral Allergy Syndrome: Itching or tingling in the mouth, lips, or tongue
• Anaphylaxis: In severe cases, milk allergy can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat or tongue, dizziness, and loss of consciousness.

Cow's Milk vs. Other Milks:

Most milk allergies are to cow's milk. However, some people are also allergic to the milk of other animals, such as goats, sheep, or buffalo. Cross-reactivity between different animal milks is possible.

Management:

The primary way to manage a milk allergy is to avoid all foods and beverages containing milk or milk-derived ingredients. This can be challenging, as milk is used in many different products. Careful label reading is essential.

Diagnosis and Treatment:

If you suspect a milk allergy, it's important to consult with an allergist for a proper diagnosis. They may perform tests such as skin prick tests or blood tests. For severe reactions, especially anaphylaxis, epinephrine auto-injectors (like an EpiPen) are the primary treatment.