One of the reasons for seeking help from an allergist is the body’s allergic reaction to milk. This is one of the products that people consume. According to statistics, 10% of all children under one year old suffer from allergies to milk and dairy products. The introduction of cow's milk and infant formula into the diet of a small child is a provocateur of allergies.
For a child’s body, an allergy is an atypical reaction caused by an irritant. Milk is a healthy product for the body, but it can cause allergies. The child’s body is not yet strong and the digestive system cannot cope with some foods at an early stage. Due to the fact that some substances are not absorbed, an allergic reaction occurs.
Symptoms of a milk allergy in a child
In infants, a milk allergy most often manifests itself as follows:
- disorders of the gastrointestinal tract;
- skin rashes;
- colic in the abdomen;
- active regurgitation after each feeding;
- stool becomes unstable (either liquid or replaced by constipation);
- A red itchy rash may appear around the mouth;
- sleep becomes restless, breathing becomes intermittent.
In older children, a negative reaction to milk causes similar symptoms, only their signs are less pronounced, but they also bring quite a lot of trouble.
Causes and symptoms
Allergies to soy milk and products containing soy are very common. The main reason is the widespread occurrence of this component. No one will be surprised by soy in meat and dairy products, canned food, baked goods, etc.
For food manufacturers, soy is an inexpensive and nutritious substitute for many other ingredients. “Meat”, sweets, even plant-based milk are prepared from this variety of beans. The popular tofu cheese, soy curd are made from it, and added to various desserts. And although the properties of the product are hypoallergenic, individual intolerance provokes illness.
Allergy to soy milk occurs in children and adults. The disease is caused by a specific protein that is not easy for the human body to digest. The problem may lie in the conditions in which the soybeans were grown. If the beans are “stuffed” with harmful fertilizers, the plant consumed as food will share the accumulated substances.
An allergy to soy milk can be determined by a number of symptoms that are outwardly very clear and telling. The disease can affect a specific organ system or make several vulnerable at once.
The severity of symptoms and the duration of manifestation depend on the individual resistance of the body and the amount of allergen ingested. Symptoms of a soy milk allergy:
- The digestive system responds to the antigen with flatulence, loose stools, and nausea. If the disease occurs in an acute form, profuse vomiting, stomach cramps, and inflammation of the intestines appear.
- Babies with allergies are characterized by frequent regurgitation, poor absorption of food, and severe colic.
- Skin irritations can cause serious discomfort to a person. When eating allergies, eczema, dermatitis, and urticaria (small blisters in large quantities) occur.
- The “print” of allergies is best visible in areas with thin skin - on the face, scalp, arms and legs, and groin. In children, red spots also appear near physiological folds. If a child is severely sensitive to a soy milk allergy, the dermatitis can spread to almost the entire body.
- Inflammation of the respiratory system due to allergies requires the greatest attention. The most common symptoms are sneezing, sore throat, pain when swallowing, and rhinitis. Against the background of this condition, conjunctivitis and swelling of the eye mucosa develops, as the nasal and ocular passages intersect with each other. It happens that when an allergen enters, the lower respiratory tract swells. This is fraught with suffocation, fainting, anaphylactic shock and even death without assistance.
- Emotional instability and fatigue also indicate unhealthy changes.
Allergy to breast milk
Almost every mother wants to breastfeed her baby, because this is the key to his future health. But what should you do if your baby begins to show symptoms of an allergy to breast milk? The main thing is not to panic! Due to unnecessary stress and worries, milk may completely disappear.
There is no need to immediately give up breastfeeding and switch to formula. Sometimes it’s just enough to review and adjust your mother’s diet. The composition of mother's milk is constantly changing and directly depends on the food she eats. But there are situations when you still have to replace breastfeeding with artificial nutrition.
IMPORTANT! An allergy to breast milk should not be confused with galactosemia, a congenital hereditary disease consisting of a lack of enzymes for the breakdown of galactose.
Common foods a mother eats that can cause milk allergy symptoms in her baby:
- cow's milk;
- eggs;
- fish;
- legumes;
- citrus;
- honey;
- coffee;
- chocolate.
Whichever of these foods a nursing woman loves, it is necessary to exclude them from the menu if the child shows signs of an allergic reaction. Proper nutrition for a mother is the main treatment for atopic dermatitis in her child.
Characteristics of different types of milk and their allergens
Allergies occur both to cow's milk and to soy milk and any other type of this product. In this case, the pathologies have similar symptoms. The only difference is the type of allergen.
Allergens
Milk contains more than 40 types of proteins. Each of them can trigger an atypical reaction of the human immune system. Moreover, all types of products have their own characteristics. Thus, cow's milk contains about 4% proteins, which experts conditionally divide into two classes:
- casein;
- whey proteins, which include bovine serum albumin, as well as alpha and beta lactoglobulin.
An allergy to cow's milk can occur due to each protein in these groups.
At the same time, camel products contain 2 times more whey proteins than cow products. However, it does not contain beta-lactoglobulin. For this reason, camel milk rarely provokes the development of pathology, which is why it is used to make many hypoallergenic products.
Goat milk is the safest for health. It does not contain any type of casein, and it is this type of allergen that most often provokes a non-standard immune reaction.
Cross reactivity
If you are allergic to various cow's milk proteins, a reaction will appear to all types of products that contain the allergen. Usually these are fermented milk products and beef.
However, cross-reaction does not always occur. Its occurrence is influenced by the type of allergen and the amount of it contained in the product.
Goat milk
Allergy to goat milk protein is rare. However, there is a high possibility of cross-reaction between goat and cow's milk protein. In this case, allergies will also occur to all products containing the allergen.
Sheep milk
Sheep milk protein allergy has a cross-reaction with cow's milk protein and other related animals. In this case, a reaction will occur to sheep cheese and other similar products.
Allergy to cow and goat milk
When a child, for a number of different reasons, is unable to receive mother’s breast milk, there is only one way out - to feed him with adapted formulas. It is these little ones who are more likely than others to experience all the “delights” of food allergies.
A reaction to lactose is a fairly uncommon occurrence. Its symptoms appear only in 5-7% of children. There are two main factors causing an allergy to cow's or goat's milk:
- Lactose deficiency. In this case, the baby’s body lacks the enzyme that breaks down milk sugar – lactose. Therefore, the protein is not completely broken down and is perceived by the body as an allergen.
- Intolerance to animal proteins contained in cow, goat, camel and other types of milk. The child’s body is simply unable to process and absorb animal milk protein – casein.
If a caring mother notices that signs of a milk allergy in a child begin to appear, the provoking product should be excluded from the baby’s diet. The milk formula will have to be replaced with a hypoallergenic one based on milk hydrolyzate. Usually, an allergy to cow's and goat's milk goes away by 1-2 years.
But if this does not happen, it is recommended to exclude all products containing milk protein from the baby’s menu. To prevent a growing body from experiencing a need for calcium, it can be replenished with vegetables and fruits in which it is present, as well as soy products.
Treatment
A milk allergy is a food allergy and the first stage of treatment is to completely eliminate the offending food from the diet. Breastfed children are prescribed dairy-free formulas based on soy protein and a lactose-free formula.
Is it possible to use fermented milk mixtures? This should be discussed with your doctor. Switching to fermented milk hypoallergenic formula is usually possible after 6 months of age.
In order to prevent allergies, during pregnancy the expectant mother should refrain from drinking large amounts of whole milk.
For older children, milk is replaced not only with soy products, but also with oat and rice milk.
Highly allergenic foods
Dietary treatment
What should you not eat if you are allergic to milk? When the presence of dairy components can cause an allergy, not only dairy products are excluded from an adult’s diet, but also foods in which one of the ingredients is whole milk, dry milk or whey.
Products containing lactose and milk protein:
- confectionery products, including baked goods, condensed milk, margarine.
- semi-finished meat products.
- sausages.
- finished products containing casein, whey, ghee or butter.
Note! Lactic acid (natural preservative E270), sodium or calcium lactate is not related to milk and is safe for allergies.
Drug therapy
Drug therapy is aimed at relieving symptoms and inhibiting the biochemical processes of the reaction to the antigen.
- Drug relief of symptoms involves taking enterosorbents to bind the product in the digestive tract and remove it from the body.
- Dermatological symptoms are relieved by external antiallergic drugs - creams, ointments, gels.
- Systemic reactions to milk allergies are treated with antihistamines - drugs that suppress the manifestations of allergies in response to an irritating factor.
Enterosorbents and eubiotics
Enterosorbents are medications that collect, bind and remove harmful and toxic substances from the body (from the intestines).
With milk allergy in adults and children, the healthy microflora in the intestines is disrupted. The healthy digestive process is replaced by rotting and fermentation. Hence the bloating, pain and symptoms of intoxication.
Enterosorbents are indicated in complex antiallergenic therapy to effectively restore healthy functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and relieve general intoxication.
| A drug | Action, release form | Price in rub. |
| Lacto-filtrum | Chewable lozenges | from 300 for 30 pcs. |
| Polysorb | Inorganic powder for preparation of suspension | from 330 for 50 g |
| Filtrum-sti | Tablets, wood hydrolysis product | from 297 for 50 pcs. |
| Entegnin | Tablets, wood hydrolysis product | from 190 for 50 pcs. |
Eubiotics (probiotics) are drugs that normalize intestinal microflora in case of milk allergy. They contain microorganisms in varying quantities and combinations that normally populate a healthy intestine.
This artificial “contamination” of intestinal microflora helps to quickly suppress pathological digestive processes, while simultaneously initiating healthy digestion.
Drugs in this group are indicated:
- in complex therapy of milk allergy, which is accompanied by inflammatory processes.
- with antibacterial therapy.
- to increase the body's defenses.
| A drug | Release form, composition | Price in rub. |
| Bifiform | Enterococci + bifidobacteria in enteric coating, capsules. Solution for children. | from 474 for 30 capsules |
| Hilak forte | A complex preparation for normalizing the acidity of gastric juice and intestinal microflora. Aqueous substrate of metabolic products. | from 600 for 30 doses |
| Normobakt | Lactobacilli + bifidobacteria in sachet with powder | from 400 for 10 sachets |
| Acipol | Lactobacillus acidophilus + kefir grains in capsules | from 325 for 30 pcs. |
| Bifidumbacterin | Bifidobacterium bifidum in capsules, solution, powders | from 100 for 10 doses |
Article on the topic: Uric acid diathesis: symptoms, treatment, diet in women and children
Antihistamines
Antihistamines (without lactose in the diet) are the leading drugs in the medical treatment of milk allergy. These medications block the biochemical processes in the body that occur when you are allergic to milk.
| A drug | Action, release form | Price in rub. |
| Suprastin | Pills | from 98 for 20 pcs. |
| Loratadine | Pills | from 25 for 10 pcs. |
| Clemastine (Tavegil) | Clemastine fumarate tablets 1 mg | from 120 for 20 tablets. |
| Fenistil | Oral solution, external gel | from 500 per bottle/tube |
| Cetirizine | Tablets, solution | from 90 for 10 tablets, from 260 for 20 ml |
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are hormonal drugs. To treat allergic reactions, they are used in cases of severe disease when other medications are not effective.
They are often used externally to quickly relieve skin inflammation, itching and pain.
| A drug | Action, release form | Price in rub. |
| Dexamethasone | Tablets, ampoules | from 26 for 10 tablets, from 175 for 25 ampoules |
| Advantan | Ointment, cream | from 560 per tube of 15 g |
Symptomatic treatment
Symptomatic therapy includes drugs that relieve various allergic reactions of the body from the respiratory system, heart function, gastrointestinal tract or neurological.
| A drug | Action, release form | Price in rub. |
| Salbutamol | Metered dose inhaler | from 104 per cylinder |
| Eufillin | Bronchodilator, tablets, solution | from 15 for 20 tablets, from 43 for 10 ampoules |
| Ketotifen | Tablets for allergic bronchospasm | from 78 for 30 pcs. |
| Adrenalin | Injection solution for resuscitation, cardiac stimulator | from 86 for 5 ampoules |
| Drotaverine | Antispasmodic, tablets, solution | from 34 |
| Loperamide | Anti-diarrhea capsules, improve absorption of nutrients in the intestines | from 25 for 10 capsules |
| Benzocaine | Gel, solution for relieving pain, itching in dermatological manifestations of allergies | from 300 |
| Festal | Enzymes | |
| Mezim | Enzymes in tablets |
Reduced sensitivity to allergen
Increased sensitivity of the immune system can be corrected. One of the methods for returning a person to a normal diet is to “accustom” his body to a product that he initially did not accept.
In the case of milk, this is a gradual return of the product to the patient’s diet. The scientific name of the process is desensitization and hyposensitization of the body.
It is carried out as follows: the patient in a hospital setting is regularly injected into a vein with a small dose of the allergen. The success of hyposensitization according to Bezredko (the so-called method) depends on the level of qualification of the allergist. The physician must select a dose that is sufficient to produce a response, but not enough to cause a violent systemic response.
The use of the method is justified when the allergen cannot be eliminated from the patient’s life. Milk allergies are not one of these. Eliminating milk from the life of an adult allergy sufferer is not difficult.
In order to prevent allergies, during pregnancy the expectant mother should refrain from drinking large amounts of whole milk.
Milk allergy in a child: treatment
Allergies are a reason to consult a doctor. In addition to discomfort and anxiety, it can pose a significant danger to the life of a little person. The greatest danger comes from swelling of the cervical and head areas (Quincke's edema). In this situation, it is necessary to immediately call an ambulance. Otherwise, an allergic reaction will quickly develop, which can be fatal.
The doctor gives directions for tests and a comprehensive examination to distinguish an allergy to milk protein from other similar reactions. When the results are ready and an allergy to milk protein is confirmed (perhaps the allergy is to dust, pollen, a cat or frost), the doctor will suggest replacing the formula used with a hypoallergenic one and advise feeding the child with dietary foods.
Additionally, he may prescribe medications:
- Antihistamines (Fenistil, Loratadine, Skin-Cap, Claritin, Zodak and others).
- Creams and ointments (Desitin, Bepanten, La-Cri, Mustela Stelatopia, Sovetol and others).
There are many folk remedies that can reduce itching and other unpleasant sensations. But we must not forget that self-medication can lead to negative consequences.
Separately, I would like to mention a product that effectively helps with atopic dermatitis - Polysorb. This is a sorbent that removes toxins and allergens from the body. One of the main advantages of this drug is that it can be taken by newborn children. It has a small list of contraindications and side effects, as well as a relatively low price.
Diet for milk allergies
If a headache called “milk allergy in a child” has appeared in your family’s life, you willy-nilly have to pay special attention to the baby’s nutrition. It must be dietary and balanced, but at the same time containing all the vitamins and microelements necessary for growth and development.
In the first months of the baby’s life, hypoallergenic formulas will help solve the problem, but there will come a time when complementary foods need to be introduced, and then the child will need regular nutritious food.
First feeding is a difficult issue that worries a huge number of young mothers. It is recommended to start feeding your baby with vegetable purees. You can use vegetables such as zucchini, pumpkin, cucumber. Vegetables with bright colors (for example, tomatoes) should be avoided for now, as they contain many allergens.
REFERENCE. You need to introduce a new product little by little - 0.5 teaspoon at a time, gradually increasing the volume to several tablespoons.
When the child’s body gets used to vegetables, you can try adding porridge to the diet. Naturally, you will have to cook them not with milk, but with water, without salt and sugar. If you choose dry cereals, be sure to make sure that they do not contain gluten or dairy products.
The next stage of complementary feeding is meat puree. For children with allergies, the best types of meat are rabbit, turkey and horse meat. But it’s better to hold off on chicken for now.
Fruits are introduced into complementary foods last. It is preferable to start with green apples. Next you can try apricots, plums and bananas. But be sure to observe all the reactions that occur in the small organism.
Causes
Allergy is the body's increased sensitivity to certain substances.
At the same time, they are perceived by immune cells as foreign agents. In turn, this leads to disruption of the functioning of the respiratory and digestive systems, which provokes skin rashes. Allergy to “milk”, that is, dairy products, is a fairly common type of disease that often occurs in infants from birth. The true form of the disease is characterized by complete intolerance to breast and other types of milk. Even with minor consumption of dairy products, the baby develops negative symptoms. Another form of disorder is pseudoallergy. Skin rashes in a child can only appear when consuming large amounts of foods containing lactose.
It is known that proteins are a unique set of amino acids. After exposure to digestive tract enzymes, they break down into separate substances. This way they are completely absorbed by the body. Milk includes almost thirty antigens. The most aggressive proteins among them are α-lactoalbumin, casein, and β-lactoglobulin. It is the latter substance that most often causes an allergic reaction.
Expert opinion Ksenia Dunaeva Expert in working with users and moderator of comments. Higher medical education and more than 5 years of actual practice.
Due to the fact that the baby’s immune defense is not yet fully formed, not all enzymes are present in the digestive system. That is, the protein chain may not be completely destroyed, but partially. In this case, immune cells recognize these complex elements as foreign agents.
Milk allergy in a child: recipes
As the child gets older, the milk allergy usually begins to subside or ceases to appear at all. But don’t rejoice ahead of time. Food products must still be dietary. Here are a few recipes for dishes that will diversify your little one’s menu and at the same time not harm him.
Rice porridge with apple
Required ingredients:
- 2 tbsp. l. rice;
- 1 tbsp. water;
- 1 medium apple;
- 2 pinches of salt.
Preparation:
Wash the apples, peel them, cut into small pieces. Rinse the rice thoroughly. Pour water over apples and rice and cook over low heat for 30 minutes.
Before serving, add a small piece of butter to the porridge.
Semolina casserole
Required ingredients:
- 0.5 tbsp. semolina;
- 1 tbsp. water;
- 15 g sugar;
- 30 g fruit sauce;
- 10 g butter;
- 5 g white ground crackers;
- salt;
- 50 g canned fruits (pear, apricot, peach);
- 1 small egg.
Preparation:
Cook semolina porridge in water and cool. Add sugar, egg and butter to the cooled porridge, mix everything well. Grease a baking dish with butter and sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Place the resulting mixture in it and sprinkle with sugar and place in a preheated oven.
Bake the casserole for 15-20 minutes at 180 degrees. Before serving, place the fruit on the finished dish and pour over the sauce.
Almond smoothie with banana
Required ingredients:
- 150 ml almond milk;
- 0.5 banana;
- vanillin on the tip of a knife;
- 1-2 tsp. coconut flakes.
Preparation:
Peel the bananas and cut into small pieces. Place banana pieces in a blender, add almond milk (unlike cow's milk, it does not contain the same protein that causes milk allergies in children) and vanillin. Beat all ingredients until smooth.
Pour the finished cocktail into a tall glass and sprinkle with coconut flakes.
Pancakes on mineral water
Required ingredients:
- 1 chicken egg;
- 1 pinch of salt;
- 2 tbsp. l. Sahara;
- 2 tbsp. l. vegetable oil;
- 250 ml sparkling mineral water.
Preparation:
Separate the white from the yolk. Beat the egg whites until peaks form. Beat the yolk with salt. Combine the beaten whites and yolks, add sugar to them. Whisk everything thoroughly.
Pour mineral water into the resulting mixture with caution; a lot of foam will form. Beat everything again. Gradually add flour, constantly stirring the mixture to avoid the formation of lumps.
Add butter, beat the dough again and leave it for 15-20 minutes.
Grease a frying pan with oil and heat it thoroughly. Bake pancakes 1-2 on each side until a delicious golden brown crust appears.
Serve pancakes with honey, sour cream or jam. A child's allergy to milk is not a reason to deny him goodies. There are many other interesting recipes.
