Milk Allergy Treatment Options

We think of milk as a nutritious, safe food – yet milk can bring on allergic reactions in many adults and children, including our neighbors in the Atlanta area. Thankfully, today there are food allergy treatment options available to you. Even though milk allergy treatment is not a cure, it can certainly lessen the impact of consuming milk and milk products.

As stated above, both children and adults can suffer from milk allergies. And while it may be more prevalent in children, there is no “age range” immunity. A milk allergy reaction is caused when the immune system incorrectly thinks it needs to target an infection. This overreaction to a harmless substance causes a range of symptoms from mild irritation to a potentially life-threatening response.

What Milk Allergy Treatment Options Are Available?

Avoidance

Once you suspect a milk allergy, avoidance is the first step in your treatment. Milk can appear in various food products, making it very important to pay attention to food labels. Start by developing a diet that removes regular consumption of milk. It should no longer be part of your daily routine. If you suspect a milk allergy in your child, it’s important to communicate with their doctor on the best way to replace the important nutrients they have been receiving from milk and milk products.

Medication

Your doctor may prescribe medication to assist with your milk allergy. Antihistamines can offer some relief from a minor allergic reaction. If you suffer from severe reactions, it is important to carry an injectable form of epinephrine such as the EpiPen® to prevent anaphylaxis.

Oral Immunotherapy

Oral immunotherapy can be used as a long-term approach for treating milk allergies. Your allergist will develop an oral immunotherapy treatment plan to include administering small amounts of milk to build up immunity over an extended period of time. The treatment would start at a clinic before gradually increasing doses at home. The small doses are enough to desensitize one’s body without causing a reaction.

Symptoms of a Milk Allergy

Like other allergies, milk allergy symptoms can vary from person to person. You may suffer an immediate response – or it could take hours to appear. If you or your child suffer an allergic reaction, make an appointment for testing. In the event of a severe reaction, seek immediate medical attention. The symptoms listed below are commonly found as a result of a milk allergy.

• Shortness of breath
• Facial swelling
• Itching sensation
• Vomiting
• Stomach pains
• Diarrhea
• Runny nose
• Breathing problems causing anaphylaxis

Common Milk Allergy Treatment Questions

How do I know if my children or I have a milk allergy?

While it may be clear for some sufferers, others may not be so certain about the source of a reaction. We can perform food allergy testing to determine if a milk allergy is the cause of the symptoms.

What milk causes allergies?

Cow’s milk is the most common cause of a milk allergy. However, someone can be allergic to milk from sheep, goats and other animals.

If I suspect a milk allergy, what foods should be avoided?

Foods commonly containing milk include cheese, butter, custard, yogurt, chocolate and many prepared foods. Check the packaging before consuming new food products.

Start Treating Milk Allergies Today

Are you or your children suffering from a milk allergy and want to know the available treatment options? We offer allergy testing and treatments to patients from our seven locations in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Druid Hills, Duluth and Johns Creek. Call the closest food allergy treatment center to you today at 678-668-4688 – we can help.