Understanding – and overcoming – milk allergies

Making sure your child is getting enough to eat typically is one of the major stress points of having an infant. Are they latching on correctly? When do you increase the amount of formula they are taking in? Just when you think you’ve got feeding under control, your baby may start having excessively loose stools and spit up that seems to be more like vomiting, unable to be soothed.

At Alzein Pediatrics, we know that these symptoms may indicate a milk allergy or sensitivity.

Allergy vs Intolerance: Why The Difference Matters

About 2 – 3% of babies develop a true milk allergy, and even more children may struggle with milk protein intolerance or sensitivity. Many babies may struggle to process dairy, making them gassy and fussy. Some may have growth faltering and more severe gastrointestinal symtoms.

However, a cow’s milk protein allergy occurs when the child’s immune system over-reacts to the proteins found in milk. As the immune system attacks the proteins, the digestive system becomes inflamed, leading to symptoms ranging from diarrhea and vomiting to hives and swelling. While many parents suspect their fussy baby may have a milk allergy, your Alzein Pediatrics provider encourages parents to understand the difference between an intolerance and an allergy.

Not surprisingly, milk allergies tend to present in the first few months of life, when the baby is exposed to dairy via formula or even when a breastfeeding mother consumes dairy. Medical research distinguishes milk allergies based on the kind of protein that causes the immune-response and how quickly symptoms occur. While some milk allergies present as soon as the baby is exposed to dairy, some milk allergies can take hours and even days before symptoms present. Symptoms can include:

• Gastric distress including pain, cramping, vomiting and diarrhea
• Breathing difficulties including shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing, or tightening of the throat
• Eyes that itch, tear or are red
• Nose congested or runny, sneezing or itching

Because these reactions can vary in timing and intensity, talk to your Alzein Pediatrics provider before changing your baby’s diet.

Feeding Options When Dairy Is A Problem

Incidences of milk allergies are lower in breastfeeding babies than in formula-fed babies, and breastfeeding is recommended for infants at high risk of developing milk allergies. If your infant shows symptoms of milk allergies, we will advise you to eliminate dairy from your diet when you are breastfeeding.

If breastfeeding isn’t an option, your Alzein Pediatrics provider can recommend soy-based formulas without the milk protein. Unfortunately, about 50% of infants who develop a milk allergy might also develop an allergy to the protein in soy. Hypoallergenic formulas are also available, using an enzyme process to neutralize the milk proteins; some formulas are partially hydrolyzed and others are extensively hydrolyzed, offering the best protections.

The Very Encouraging Long-Term Outlook

Fortunately, just 10% of milk allergies persist past infancy; most children outgrow their milk allergy by the age of 6. Faster than you think, with the guidance of specialists, your child will be enjoying a wide range of foods containing dairy.

Do you have questions about a possible milk allergy or sensitivity in your child? Message your provider through our patient portal and we’ll help you navigate feeding challenges to keep your baby happy and healthy!