Have you noticed strange symptoms in your child after consuming milk without understanding the reason?

What is milk allergy in infants?

Milk allergy in infants is a condition that occurs when the infant's immune system reacts abnormally to milk proteins, as it considers these proteins to be harmful substances and launches an immune response against them, which leads to the appearance of various symptoms in the infant.

Causes of milk allergy in infants

The causes of milk allergy in infants are due to the immune system’s reaction to proteins found in all types of milk. Here are the main causes of allergy:

• Allergies occur when the immune system recognizes milk proteins such as casein as harmful substances and releases antibodies that cause allergy symptoms.
• If one or both parents have allergies, such as eczema or asthma, the baby is more likely to have a milk allergy.
• The infant's digestive system is not fully developed, which may cause undigested milk proteins to pass into the blood, thus stimulating an immune reaction.
• Giving an infant formula containing cow's milk at an early age may increase the risk of allergies, especially if breastfeeding is not done.
• Also, when there is an imbalance of beneficial bacteria in the infant’s intestines;

Accordingly; 

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Symptoms of milk allergy in infants

Symptoms of milk allergy in infants vary from one child to another depending on the type of allergy, and since they may be similar to other symptoms;

First: rapid immune symptoms 

They appear within the first minutes or hour of consuming milk, and include:

• Red rash or swollen spots.
• Severe itching.
• Swelling of the face, lips, or eyelids.
• Sneezing or runny nose.
• صعوبة في التنفس.
• Whistling in the chest.
• Frequent cough.
• Sudden vomiting and diarrhea.
• Anaphylactic shock, which is an emergency condition that requires immediate examination, includes severe shortness of breath, low blood pressure, and blue lip color.

Second: late non-immune symptoms 

They appear several hours or even several days after consuming milk, and include:

• Persistent diarrhea that may contain blood or mucus.
• Severe colic and excessive crying after feeding.
• Abdominal bloating.
• Sometimes chronic constipation.
• Refusal to breastfeed.
• Poor growth.
• Eczema does not respond easily to treatment.

Types of milk allergy in infants

Milk allergy is divided into two main types, depending on the type of response caused by the immune system, and in the table below we explain the two types in detail.

However, in some cases, the infant may develop a mixed type of milk allergy, where immediate immune symptoms appear alongside delayed non-immune symptoms, which requires careful follow-up and a comprehensive treatment plan.

Book your consultation now at Pediatric Center At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital.

Diagnosis of milk allergy in infants

Diagnosing a milk allergy in an infant is a delicate step that requires a comprehensive evaluation by a pediatrician or allergist. The diagnosis is usually based on the following:

• Medical history: The doctor records the symptoms and the timing of their occurrence after consuming milk, focusing on the presence of a family history of allergies, asthma, or eczema.
• Clinical examination: The doctor examines the child comprehensively, focusing on the most important skin, respiratory, and digestive symptoms associated with allergies.
• Allergy tests: such as a skin test to detect an allergic reaction to milk protein, and a blood test to measure the level of IgE antibodies.
• Elimination diet: Stop giving the child milk and milk products, for a period of time, usually 2 to 4 weeks, and then monitor the improvement of symptoms during this period.
• Nutritional challenge: Milk is given to the child again under medical supervision to see if symptoms appear again, which is the most important test to confirm the diagnosis.

Because neglecting symptoms may lead to serious complications;

Treatment of milk allergy in infants

Basically;

Abstaining from milk and its derivatives

Avoiding all types of milk, especially cow's milk, is the first and essential step for treatment. Food product labels should be read carefully;

Dependence on breastfeeding

It is preferable to continue breastfeeding if the mother does not consume dairy products, and if allergy symptoms appear despite breastfeeding, the mother must follow a diet free of milk and its derivatives.

Use a special milk substitute

If breastfeeding is not available, one of the healthy alternatives must be used under medical supervision, such as:

• Partially or completely hydrolyzed milk that contains proteins that are too broken down to stimulate the immune system.
• Amino acid milk is used in severe cases, and is safe for children with severe reactions.

But it is not recommended to use soy milk without consulting a doctor, especially in the first year.

Treat symptoms when needed

When symptoms appear, they are treated immediately with antihistamines to relieve mild skin symptoms, as well as epinephrine in cases of severe allergies, as they are prescribed in rare cases with a history of severe reactions.

Monitor growth and nutrition

It is necessary to ensure that the infant receives nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D through supplements or alternative foods, as proper nutrition is important because most children recover from milk allergy with age, and symptoms disappear between the ages of 3 to 5 years with periodic follow-up.

Complications of milk allergy in infants

In the event of incorrect diagnosis or failure to adhere to appropriate treatment, a number of complications may occur that affect the child’s health and development, the most prominent of which are:

• Malnutrition: Lack of absorption of nutrients due to recurrent infections in the digestive system. Loss of appetite or persistent vomiting may lead to weight loss or delayed growth.
• Anemia (anemia): the result of blood loss from the digestive system in some cases, or due to a deficiency of iron, calcium, and vitamin D as a result of avoiding milk without an alternative.
• Skin problems: such as eczema, which may worsen if the allergy is not treated properly.
• Respiratory symptoms: Chronic symptoms such as a persistent cough or wheezing, and may develop into conditions resembling allergic asthma.
• Various allergies: Some studies have shown that a child who suffers from a milk allergy is more susceptible to other types of food allergies over time, such as eggs or peanuts.
• Anaphylactic shock: A rare but serious condition that occurs in some types of severe immune allergies, and may threaten the child’s life if not treated quickly.

Get to know: Get to know Types of skin allergies in children

How to prevent milk allergy in infants

Following some preventive measures contributes to reducing the risk of milk allergy in infants. Among the most prominent prevention methods that you can follow are:

• Breastfeeding during the first 6 months is one of the most important means of prevention, as it strengthens the child’s immunity and reduces the chances of food allergies.
• Avoid introducing any type of artificial milk during the breastfeeding period, unless necessary and under medical supervision.
• Do not give cow's milk mainly to the child before the age of one year;
• If there are previous cases of allergies in the family, the doctor must be informed to take appropriate preventive measures from birth.
• If breastfeeding is not available, the doctor can provide special formulas for children who are susceptible to allergies.
• After the sixth month, it is recommended to introduce new foods gradually, one type at a time, while monitoring the child’s reactions.

It is also preferable to continue follow-up with Al-Mousa Specialist Hospital during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions 

How do I know if my baby has a milk allergy?

When you notice symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, rash, difficulty breathing or frequent crying after feeding.

What is the difference between milk allergy and lactose intolerance in infants?

Milk allergy is an immune reaction to milk protein, and usually appears in the first year, while lactose allergy is a digestive disorder caused by a deficiency of the enzyme lactase, and is rare in infants.

Does milk allergy affect the child's development?

Yes, if not properly diagnosed and treated, poor growth and malnutrition may occur due to malabsorption or lack of essential elements.

Here we have learned in detail about milk allergy in infants, and if you suspect your child is infected, it is recommended to visit one of the specialized medical centers for treating children’s diseases and allergies, such as Al Mousa Specialist Hospital, which is one of the most prominent centers in the Kingdom.

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