Dairy Allergy

Hypersensitivity type may be- Type I Allergy
Immune reactions may be from- IgE
Reactions may occur in- Minutes

A Dairy Allergy is an immune response from consuming or inhaling substances containing the proteins found in Milk (Cow's Milk and to other animal milk). This allergy is also referred to as a Dairy Allergy or Cow's Milk Allergy.

In Australia around 2% (1 in 50) of babies are allergic to Cow's milk. Recent reports have shown that around 80% of children outgrow their Cow’s milk allergy between the ages of three to five years.

Not all allergic reactions from Milk (Dairy) are considered a Milk (Dairy) Allergy. When people have reactions from milk that are not from the protein found in milk, this can be due them having a-

• Lactose Intolerance: This is caused by the lack of the enzyme lactase in the body, which helps to digest the milk sugar called lactose. For more information on Lactose Intolerance click here.
• Milk Mucus Cough: This sensitisation to milk is described by some people as a feeling of a coating of the throat and a thicker mucus that is harder to swallow. Research has shown that this sensitisation also occurs with other liquids that are the same thickness and do not cause an increased production of mucus.

While not an allergic reaction, both a Lactose Intolerance and a Milk Mucus Cough, may bring severity of symptoms that impact a person based on their individual circumstances. It's important to have these determined by a qualified health care provider, especially in the case of receiving the correct treatments for the medically diagnosed reaction.

Milk is one of the 10 most common food allergens in Australia, that all together account for 90% of food allergies in Australia.

SYMPTOMS

Some of the symptoms may be characterised by:

• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Skin Rash
• Itching, Tingling or Swelling of the Lips, Tongue or Throat
• Trouble Breathing
• Watery Eyes
• Runny Nose
• Hives
• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal Cramps
• Colic, in Babies
• Asthma aggravation
• ANAPHYLAXIS

The validity and severity of these symptoms are dependent on the individual and the level of exposure, as determined by a qualified health care provider.

TREATMENT

If you experience or are in the presence of someone that encounters an immediate serious reaction (this may include difficulty breathing, wheezing, throat tightening, swelling, collapse, etc), call or have someone call triple zero (000) immediately.

In the case of a minor allergic reaction, people may use Antihistamines along with other medications based on their individual symptoms and prescribed treatments.

For severe allergic reactions Epinephrine may be used, followed by seeking emergency medical attention. However, some people may not be able to use Epinephrine due to particular reasons.

It’s important for anyone with an Allergy, to discuss treatments with a qualified health care provider to understand how to manage individual allergies and also to set up an Allergy Action Plan in the case of a reaction.

Always present your Allergy Card, Medical Alert Bracelet or Necklace to ensure health care providers, family members, friends, colleagues and others are aware of your Allergy or Allergies.

TESTING

A Skin Prick Test, Blood Test and/ or Oral Food Challenge may be used to test for a Milk (Dairy) Allergy.

LABELLING

Some labels or terms you may come across on Milk (Dairy) Allergy friendly products:

"Dairy Free" "Dairy Alternative" "Milk Free"

RANDOM FACT

A type of plastic that is odourless, antistatic, biodegradable, insoluble in water and virtually nonflammable can be created using Milk.

WHERE YOU MAY COME ACROSS MILK (DIARY)

The below is not a complete list, but just some of the places, you may come across Milk (Dairy):

• Butter
• Yoghurt
• Cheese
• Ice Cream
• Ghee
• Milk
• Condensed milk
• Kaymak
• Crème fraîche
• Curd
• Cream (Sour cream, Cream cheese, etc)
• Skyr
• Buttermilk
• Cottage cheese
• Mailai
• Dips
• Salad dressings
• Kefir
• Nougat
• Sherbet
• Deli meat
• Hot dogs
• Sausage
• Paté
• Tuna fish
• Shellfish
• Steak
• Instant mashed potatoes
• Some medication
• Chewing gum

The information provided on Allergy Life Australia is to generally educate and inform you about living with allergies, intolerances and conditions, and is not intended as medical instruction or as a substitute for diagnosis, examination and advice by a qualified health care provider.

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ARE THERE ANY OTHER PLACES YOU HAVE COME ACROSS MILK (DAIRY)? HAVE YOU HAD AN EXPERIENCE WITH A MILK (DAIRY) ALLERGY OR KNOW SOMEONE THAT HAS? LET US KNOW IN THE COMMENTS BELOW