Dairy Allergy: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment Options, Precautions ... - Kerala Kaumudi

dairy-allergy

Dairy allergy is a common food allergy that affects both children and adults. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies proteins in dairy products as harmful substances. This immune response causes a wide range of symptoms, affecting various parts of the body. The prevalence of allergy to cow products is reported to be about 2% of the general pediatric population in developed countries. It occasionally occurs in adults, affecting less than 1% of the adult population.

Causes
Dairy allergy is primarily caused by an immune response to proteins contained in milk and other dairy products. The two main proteins responsible for dairy allergies are casein and whey. When these proteins are ingested, the immune system identifies them as invaders and produces antibodies known as immunoglobulin E (IgE) to fight against them. The IgE antibodies trigger the release of chemicals, such as histamine, which lead to allergic reactions.

It is important to distinguish between dairy allergy, lactose intolerance, and cows' milk protein intolerance.

Lactose intolerance is not caused by an immune response to milk. In lactose intolerance, the body can't digest lactose (milk sugar) found in milk and milk products. Symptoms of lactose intolerance may include bloating, belly pain, and cramps. It is not life-threatening. Lactose intolerance does not cause the immune system to react. The symptoms are typically limited to gastrointestinal (stomach and digestion) symptoms. People with lactose intolerance can eat milk products that have the lactose sugar removed, or they can take an enzyme (lactase) to help them digest lactose.

Food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis (FPIAP) - also called " cows' milk protein intolerance (CMPI)" or "allergy proctocolitis" - is a non-IgE-mediated allergy to cows' milk proteins found in formula or breast milk, this condition inflames the lower part of the intestine. It affects infants in the first years of life and typically outgrows within the first few years of life. The symptoms include blood-streaked, watery, and mucus-filled stools. Infants may develop green stools, diarrhea, vomiting, anemia (low blood count) and fussiness.

Symptoms

Dairy allergy symptoms vary in severity and may affect different parts of the body. Some common symptoms include:

1. Digestive symptoms: These can include stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
2. Skin reactions: Many individuals with dairy allergies experience itching, hives, and eczema.
3. Respiratory symptoms: Allergic reactions to react can affect the respiratory system, leading to symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
4. Anaphylaxis: In rare cases, dairy allergies can trigger a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Symptoms may include difficulty breathing, swollen throat, rapid pulse, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical attention.


Diagnosis and Treatment

If suspected a dairy allergy, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis. Doctor may perform a physical examination and may also recommend tests such as a skin prick test or blood test to determine if you have a dairy allergy.

The most effective treatment for dairy allergy is complete avoidance of dairy products. This means eliminating milk, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy-containing products from diet.

Food labels should be carefully read as dairy ingredients can be hidden under various names.

In case of accidental exposure or in milder cases, over-the-counter antihistamines can help relieve symptoms. Additionally, doctors may prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) for emergencies, especially if are susceptible to anaphylaxis.

It is important that some individuals may outgrow their dairy allergy over time. Regular consulting with an allergist can help determine if the reintroduction of dairy is safe.

Dairy allergies can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for allergy is crucial in managing this condition effectively. By avoiding dairy products and seeking appropriate medical advice, individuals with dairy allergies can lead a healthy and symptom-free life.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Tapeworms: How to tell if you have one - Fox News

Image
Tapeworms: How to tell if you have one - Fox News Tapeworms: How to tell if you have one - Fox News Posted: 14 Dec 2019 12:00 AM PST A tapeworm is a parasite that you can get if you eat the infected and undercooked meat of an animal. (iStock) Dear Dr. Manny, I ate something on a trip to Brazil and now I've been having terrible stomach issues. I've read about people who have had tapeworms and I don't know if I have one. How do you know if you have a tapeworm? What do the eggs look like? How do you diagnose a tapeworm? Will the worm die on its own? Is it common to get a tapeworm?  Thanks for your question. A tapeworm is a parasite that you can get if you eat the infected and undercooked meat of an animal. So you could have gotten a tapeworm by eating something. It's hard to know if you have a tapeworm on your own, but the most common symptoms are abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, unexplained weight los...
Read more

What Is Vitiligo? All About This Unique Skin Condition That Impacts Skin Pigmentation, and How To Treat It - Parade Magazine

Image
Vitiligo is a condition that causes the skin to begin to lose its pigmentation—or color—for no apparent reason, resulting in white patches that are especially noticeable in people whose skin tone is naturally dark. If you've heard of this chronic skin condition, there's a very good chance it was in association with Michael Jackson. The King of Pop is reported to have had vitiligo—and other celebrities have it as well, including model Winnie Harlow, who has had an empowering presence of showing the condition's unique beauty and style. All in all, though, it's a fairly rare disorder: Approximately .5% to 2% of the world's population has vitiligo, according to a study in Dermatology Reports . What's behind this uncommon disease and is there a treatment for it? Here's what the experts have to say. What Is Vitiligo? What is vitiligo exactly? "Vitiligo is mainly an autoimmune disease of the skin that targets pigment-producing cells called melanocytes," s...
Read more

The 18 Best Body Butters to Revive Your Skin for Spring - WWD

Image
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, WWD may receive an affiliate commission. When you're plagued with dry skin, it can feel like no amount of body lotions or creams are ever moisturizing enough. And you're not imagining things — many hydrating products can just simply sit on the surface of skin, rarely getting absorbed to repair dryness. But that's where body butters save the day. These rich, ultra-concentrated creams can resolve a plethora of concerns, from cracked skin to achy muscles to reducing the appearance of cellulite. But first and foremost, what is body butter?  What is Body Butter? "I like to think it's a descriptive term," says Bee Shapiro , founder of fragrance and body care brand Ellis Brooklyn and New York Times columnist. "It's not a technical term, but we use it to communicate that the texture is extra rich and thick."&...
Read more