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Milk Allergy

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 1, 2024.

What is a milk allergy?

A milk allergy is a condition that develops because your child's immune system overreacts to milk proteins. Your child's immune system sees the proteins as harmful and attacks them. Milk allergies are most common during the first year of a child's life. Your child may outgrow the allergy by 18 months to 5 years of age. Less commonly, the allergy may continue to adolescence. Rarely, a milk allergy can continue into adulthood.

What are the signs and symptoms of a food allergy?

Any of the following may develop minutes to hours after your child has a milk product:

How is a milk allergy diagnosed?

Tell your child's healthcare provider if your child has a family history of allergies, eczema, or milk allergy. Tell the provider when your child first started having a reaction to milk. Describe the reaction and how long it lasts. More testing may be needed if anaphylaxis developed after your child was exposed to a trigger and then exercised. This is called exercise-induced anaphylaxis. A trigger can be any food or a specific food your child is allergic to. Your child may need any of the following:

Which foods does my child need to avoid?

Even a small taste of a milk product can cause an allergic reaction. Do not let your child have any of the following:

How is a milk allergy treated?

The main treatment for a milk allergy is not to have any milk products. This is called an elimination diet. Your child's healthcare provider or dietitian can help you create a meal plan that does not include milk products.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

View more treatment options

What steps do I need to take for signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis?

Your child's healthcare provider will tell you if your child is at risk for anaphylaxis. The provider will prescribe a medicine called epinephrine to use at the first sign of anaphylaxis. Signs include trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling in your child's mouth or throat, a change in your voice, or wheezing.

What can I do to manage or prevent a milk allergy?

What safety precautions do I need to take if my child is at risk for anaphylaxis?

A milk allergy increases your child's risk for seasonal allergies, or allergies to other foods, such as eggs, peanuts, or soy.

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) for signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis,

such as trouble breathing, swelling in your child's mouth or throat, or wheezing. Your child may also have itching, a rash, hives, or feel faint.

When should I seek immediate care?

When should I call my child's doctor?

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's healthcare providers to decide what care you want for your child. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.