Milk is one of the most common food allergies, often starting within the first months of a child’s life. For parents of children experiencing symptoms, assessing your milk allergy treatment options with an Atlanta allergist is vital to protect against severe reactions. But how can you identify when it’s necessary to speak with a food allergist for signs of a milk allergy?
Do I Need to Visit an Allergy Doctor for Milk Allergy Symptoms?
Data published by the National Library of Medicine shows that about 4.7% of the U.S. population self-reported having a milk allergy, but only 0.9% had both convincing symptoms and a doctor’s diagnosis. These numbers suggest that many people might experience symptoms after consuming milk, but do not seek out a professional diagnosis. Here are some key signs that you should visit a food allergist.
Skin Reactions After Consuming Dairy
Experiencing hives, rashes, redness and eczema symptoms after drinking milk or eating dairy products like butter or yogurt are indicators you should speak with a food allergist. Typically these symptoms will appear within a few minutes of consuming milk, though they can sometimes appear after a few hours.
Persistent Digestive Problems
Stomach problems like bloating, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting are often confusing, due to the similarities between milk allergy symptoms and the issue of lactose intolerance. A food allergist can assess your symptoms and perform allergy testing to confirm the source of these issues. If the discomfort is caused by an IgE-mediated allergy, a food allergy treatment plan can help.
Breathing Difficulties After Eating Milk-Related Products
Respiratory symptoms are among the first signs that a young child is reacting to milk. Pay attention to any nasal congestion, coughing and wheezing after milk consumption. With breathing difficulties potentially indicating a severe reaction, it’s important to see an allergist before a more severe reaction can occur.
Monitoring a Child’s Allergy Progress
Many children do outgrow their milk allergy before reaching adulthood. However, the length of time involved in outgrowing the allergy will vary, and some people suffer lifelong milk allergies. Visiting your allergist for food allergy testing will identify how the condition is progressing.
Severe Reactions to Milk Products
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that causes symptoms like severe breathing difficulties, dizziness and even loss of consciousness. If you or your child experiences anaphylaxis, you should seek emergency treatment. You can then visit an allergist for further guidance on managing the allergy.
Planning for Food Allergy Emergencies
Food allergists support families dealing with milk allergies, from diagnosing the condition with reliable food allergy testing to developing an allergy emergency plan. Preparing for an emergency at home or school includes avoiding milk-related products and learning how to use epinephrine.
Speak With an Atlanta Allergist for Milk Allergy Treatment
If you or your child have any concerning symptoms after consuming milk and dairy products, contact us for expert care. We offer comprehensive food allergy testing and treatment at allergy centers in the Atlanta area. Call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment.
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