Are You Suffering From a Milk Allergy?
Whether you have a child suffering from a milk allergy in Atlanta or you are dealing with milk allergy yourself as an adult, it’s tough to totally avoid contact with the allergen. While there may be no current cure, Chacko Food Allergy Treatment Center is here to offer effective food allergy treatment to allergy sufferers of all ages.
Milk Allergy Treatment Options
Milk is easily available – it’s a major source of nutrition found in many food products. But recent studies indicate that milk allergies impact one-fifth of children in the United States. And of these children, one-third suffer from severe reactions to consuming milk. If a milk allergy is affecting your child, here are some treatment options to consider.
1. Avoidance Techniques
Avoiding milk is the easiest way to prevent an allergic reaction. Unfortunately, milk and dairy products are extremely common in a range of food and drink items. You’ll need to pay close attention to product labels and take precautions with your dietary intake. Allergy testing may offer some clarity by determining which types of milk cause an allergic reaction.
2. Oral Immunotherapy
Oral immunotherapy is a process used by allergists with specialized experience in the field. The allergy sufferer consumes small amounts of the milk allergen while under medical supervision. Gradually, the dosage is raised during home consumption and occasional doctor visits. After around six months to one year, the oral immunotherapy treatment could desensitize a person to milk. While this process is not a cure, tolerance levels are raised and the chances of an allergic reaction are minimized.
3. Medication
Medication is not an effective long-term treatment for a milk allergy, but it can perform a useful role. If an allergy sufferer experiences a mild reaction to milk, antihistamines should limit the severity of the response. This type of medication won’t be helpful in all cases, but in milder cases it can make an allergic reaction less intense.
4. Injectable Epinephrine
A milk allergy can have serious repercussions for many allergy sufferers. A person may experience a tight chest that impedes breathing, along with nausea and dizziness. In these severe cases, carrying injectable epinephrine such as an EpiPen® is crucial. A simple injection of epinephrine could be a lifesaver, and must be carried with you at all times in case of emergency. While epinephrine is not a treatment to prevent a milk allergy, it’s important to know that in case of a severe allergic reaction, this can reduce symptoms almost immediately.
Do You Have a Milk Allergy Or Are You Lactose Intolerant?
Identifying whether you have a milk allergy or are lactose intolerant is a common issue. Lactose intolerance is not a food allergy, and is characterized by an inability to digest the sugar in milk. If you are unsure of the cause of your reaction, an allergist can complete a food allergy test. You can then discuss whether avoidance, oral immunotherapy, or another approach is most suitable for you.
Chacko Food Allergy Treatment Center has experienced allergists helping patients across Georgia. If you are concerned about a milk allergy for a child or yourself, make an appointment at one of our locations in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Druid Hills, Duluth and Johns Creek. Contact us today at 678-668-4688.
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