Milk Allergies in Infants
Have you ever felt that your baby gets irritable when it comes to feed times? While most children generally do throw a fuss when it comes to feeding, there are a few that may be exceptionally cranky when you attempt to feed them. This is when you will have to check whether you child has a milk allergy.
Almost three per cent of all children develop milk allergies. This often includes cow, sheep and goat’s milk. Cow’s milk is also largely the basis of formula milk. Research has been unable to determine the reasons behind a milk allergy. It is largely put down to genes. A milk allergy is when the body is unable to recognize the protein in the milk and assumes that it is something that needs to be fought with. Most children do outgrow a milk allergy by the time they hit 3 to 5 years of age. But there are some children for whom the allergy is a lifelong thing.
One thing you have to understand that milk allergy and lactose intolerance are not the same thing. The latter is the inability of older children and even adults to digest the sugar lactose. Very rarely is this found in infants.
Symptoms of a milk allergy manifest themselves in the initial months of infant’s life. While the symptoms can come on rapidly, sometimes they can be spread over a period of time. Most of the times, the symptoms are gradual. Besides irritability, look out for runny stools, vomiting, complete refusal to take food, colic and even skin rashes. It is sometime difficult to distinguish the symptoms from a regular illness and you will have to go with your instinct on this one. In the case of rapid symptoms your baby might vomit, develop hives and bloody diarrhea. There are a very few rare cases where a severe allergic reaction may occur and several affect the baby.
There is no single test to determine whether your baby has a milk allergy. Your doctor will let you know on the series of tests that will be necessary. These can include a blood and stool test and even an oral examination.
A milk allergy can be contained by reducing the amount of dairy products in your baby’s diet. A dietitian will be able to help you with alternatives. Check all food items for their ingredients. It is mandatory by law for products to mention whether they have any milk or milk products in them. There are also hypo-allergenic formulas that are available which your doctor will prescribe.
Most times you will be asked to feed your baby a hypo-allergenic formula till he turns one. You will then have to gradually introduce him to cow’s milk formula.
