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Milk Allergy Symptoms



Many people suffer from milk allergies and have to seriously curtail their diets in adjustment to their sensitivities to dairy products. Not to be confused with milk intolerance, milk allergy symptoms include hives, respiratory difficulties, and anaphylactic shock. Those who suffer from this form of food sensitivity can accidentally ingest a dairy product in some form and die on the way to the emergency room. This type of allergy is related to the protein found in cow's milk whereas those who suffer from intolerance cannot digest the sugar found in the same food. While the symptoms of intolerance are uncomfortable and alter normal eating habits, this does not relate to the functioning of the immune system as do dairy sensitivities.



A multitude of children experience milk allergy symptoms, but about 65% outgrow allergic reactions and are able to enjoy dairy products as an adult. Doctors advise that no one should introduce these foods back into a child's or adult's diet that has experienced serious reactions unless supervised by a medical professional. The offending protein can be found in a wide array of foods and even manufactured products. Cheese, butter and any type of milk are absolutely forbidden on allergy-free diets. Even products such as latex gloves can cause reactions in those who are allergic to the protein in dairy products since it is used in the manufacture of latex.



Protein can be found in other sources such as processed dairy products and those with allergic problems need to be aware of what they are eating or drinking. There are many food sources that include milk within their ingredients but may not be apparent to anyone eating the foods. Foods such as some brands of canned tuna and other selections of meat contain the offending substance. Of course, there are problems with totally removing dairy products from anyone's diet and a careful monitoring of calcium intake is important for those who do not drink milk, eat ice cream or cheese. Proper supplementation of vitamins and minerals are important as well as good substitutes especially for infants who have milk allergy symptoms.



Some infants can be switched successfully to a soybean-based formula that will alleviate all symptoms. However, there are infants that react to the protein found in soy beans and are not able to ingest that food source either. About half of all babies who have milk allergies will react to soy products. Pediatricians may then prescribe a special hypo-allergenic formula that will usually be tolerated by most babies. Some infants are able to switch to normal dairy products later on, but again, parents should follow the advice of a physician regarding milk allergy symptoms. Living with allergies of any kind can be difficult and stressful, but food sensitivities can be frustrating because of the mainstream diet that must be altered.



An allergic person with milk allergies usually lives in the same household as those without problems which can cause minor stress during food preparation and service. Since allergic reactions can be very serious, the necessity of checking all recipes and preparation methods become a life and death matter for those who deal with especially severe problems. The inconvenience to others in the family can cause agitation unless there is understanding and tolerance among all family members. "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Gal. 6:2) Everything from grocery shopping, menu planning, cooking and serving at mealtime must come under scrutiny in order to preserve the health of an allergic family member.



There are many cookbooks, web sites and support groups that can be located that offer extensive information on food alternatives, recipes, stress management, relationship tips and other helpful advice. Such topics as traveling with milk allergies for both international and domestic travel can even be found among helpful sources that address living with food sensitivities. There are also some treatment methods in both the traditional and alternative medical sectors than have shown promise in alleviating milk allergy symptoms or eliminating them altogether. Since the premise of many allergic symptoms is based on a poor immune system factor, many doctors believe that rebuilding or strengthening a weak immune system may be the first step in treating sensitivities to foods.



Some treatments include allergen shots in which a miniscule portion of the food itself is injected into a patient a prescribed number of times in order to build immunity to the offending protein. Other attempts of strengthening a suffering immune system include heightened vitamin and mineral intake that can enrich the body with antioxidants that are proven to scavenge free radicals than can dampen an immune system. There is any number of strategies to deal with milk allergies depending on individual reactions to dairy protein. There are, however, no sure cures for dairy allergies and the best way to deal with them so far is simple avoidance.

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