With cow’s milk present in a wide variety of food and drink items, experiencing a milk allergy can cause a great deal of disruption. And while there are several milk allergy treatments available, most Atlanta parents will take big steps to prevent their children from consuming milk of any kind. Cheese is one of the most obvious examples of a popular food that contains milk. However, if your child is allergic to milk, do they really need to avoid cheese of all types?
Is Cheese Suitable for People With Milk Allergies?
Those with a milk allergy have an allergic response to the proteins in cow’s milk. Milk-based yogurts and cheeses are fermented dairy products, so consuming cheese in any amount could result in an allergic reaction. This risk also extends to products that include cheese as an ingredient, including pasta dishes, egg dishes, burritos, pizza and many more items.
Eating cheese will not be life-threatening for most people with a milk allergy. The symptoms here are likely to include a skin rash, runny nose and itchy eyes. However, the potential for anaphylaxis does exist for some, and that may have severe consequences for a milk-allergic individual. As most milk allergy sufferers are young children, parents need to speak with an allergist if they identify any concerning symptoms.
Can You Eat Cheese With Milk Intolerance?
How an individual responds to cheese can depend on the differences between a milk allergy and lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is typically less severe than an allergy. In these cases, small amounts of cheese may have little impact, perhaps causing minor stomach pains. This shows the importance of seeking milk allergy testing from a professional allergist, as it is often difficult to know the actual cause of a body’s response.
Are There Any Non-Dairy Cheeses if You Have a Milk Allergy?
Many non-dairy cheese products are suitable for milk allergy sufferers. Vegan cheese is growing in popularity, and is usually made from plant-based ingredients and nuts (such as cashews). Non-dairy cheeses offer different varieties, including cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese and more.
Milk Allergy Testing and Treatment
To really understand whether or not you can eat cheese, your allergist should perform food allergy testing. This process will bring you a deeper understanding of your milk allergy or lactose intolerance, and ensure you have greater clarity in your food choices. Using oral immunotherapy treatment, allergists help ensure patients can maintain a varied diet without the risk of a severe reaction. With the desensitization process helping to stop allergic reactions, in some cases milk allergy treatment may offer a path to being able to eat cheese again.
Treat Your Milk Allergy With Us
Chacko Food Allergy Treatment Center provides effective milk allergy treatments from our allergy centers in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Druid Hills, Duluth and Johns Creek. If you need assistance with food allergies, contact us for first-class care. Call today at (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment now.
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