FORTUNATELY, MOST CHILDREN, WHO EXPERIENCE MILK ALLERGY IN EARLY LIFE, WILL OUTGROW THE ALLERGY
An allergic reaction will usually occur soon after a person consumes milk. Signs and symptoms of milk allergy range from mild to severe and can include wheezing, vomiting, hives and digestive problems. Milk allergy can also cause anaphylaxis - a severe, life-threatening reaction that narrows the airways and can block breathing. Milk is the third most common food – after peanuts and tree nuts – to cause anaphylaxis.
Although there are obvious sources of milk, it can be harder to identify when it’s used as an ingredient in processed foods, including baked goods and processed meats. Hidden sources of milk include: ingredients spelled with the prefix ‘lact’ — such as lactose and lactate; confectionery, such as chocolate; nougat; caramel, and artificial butter and cheese flavours.
Avoiding milk and milk products is the primary treatment for milk allergy. Fortunately, most children, who experience milk allergy in early life, will outgrow the allergy. Those who don't outgrow it, however, may need to continue to avoid milk products.
Milk allergy and acid reflux The symptoms of milk allergy and acid reflux disease are very similar and, as such, can lead to difficulty in diagnosis. A patient, who may have a milk allergy, may also experience problems with their digestive tract that are similar to the burning in the esophagus that is caused by acid reflux.
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn – a burning feeling in the chest – and a sour taste in the mouth and throat. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a more serious type of acid reflux, and can lead to frequent heartburn and even difficulty in swallowing.
Recent research has shown a potential link between milk allergy and GERD. A 1999 study highlighted a potential link between milk allergy and GERD. In the study, many babies who had displayed symptoms of vomiting and colic, improved when taken off milk-based formula. Once the babies were again given milk-based formulas, the GERD symptoms returned.
CMA statistics • CMA is shown to affect between 1.8 per cent and 7.5 per cent of infants in the first year of life
• The prevalence of CMA in children living in the developed world is approximately two per cent to three per cent, making it the most common cause of food allergy in the paediatric population.
• In terms of severe allergic reactions, cow’s milk comprises ten to 19 per cent of food- induced anaphylaxis cases seen both in the field and in A & E departments.
RECENT RESEARCH HAS SHOWN A POTENTIAL LINK BETWEEN MILK ALLERGY AND GERD
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