 |
 |
 |
|
Although cow's milk allergy and cow's milk intolerance (lactose intolerance) are two different terms, they are often used interchangeably, resulting in confusion both in clinical practice and in research reports. Cow's milk allergy is an immunologically mediated reaction to cow's milk proteins that may involve the gastro-intestinal tract, skin, respiratory tract, or multiple systems, i.e. systemic anaphylaxis.
Incidence
Its prevalence in the general population is probably 1 to 3%, being highest in infants and lowest in adults.
Treatment & Prevention
Living with a milk allergy in a dairy-oriented culture is not as difficult as you might think. There are a lot of nondairy foods you can substitute for milk or milk products. You can try calcium-enriched rice milk or soy milk - these now come in vanilla and other flavors. Goat's milk isn't a good alternative; its protein is similar to that in cow's milk and may cause the same allergic reaction.
People are usually understanding when it comes to food allergies: nobody wants to have to call an ambulance! When eating out, order the simplest foods and ask detailed questions about menu items. At a friend's house, explain your situation and don't be embarrassed to ask questions if you're staying for a meal.
Having a milk allergy doesn't mean you can't still enjoy eating. In fact, some people think that some of the milk substitutes - like vanilla soy milk - taste better than regular cow's milk. As with any specialized diet, you'll probably find avoiding milk gives you the opportunity to explore and discover some great foods that you'd never have found otherwise!
Prognosis
Even though it can cause severe morbidity and even fatality, dietary elimination is associated with good prognosis.
|
|
 |
|
 |
Signs, symptoms & indicators of Allergy to Cow's Milk: | | | | | Symptoms - Allergy |  Moderate sneezing or frequent sneezing / attacks | "Allergy to cow's milk proteins has been defined as any adverse reaction mediated by immunological mechanisms to one or several of these proteins. Reactions to cow's milk have been classified according on their onset as immediate (< 45 min) or delayed-type (from 2 hours to days). In the challenge test, 10 hours after milk intake the patient presented serous rhinorrea, sneezing and nasalblockade." [J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol, 1998 Jul, 8: p.4] |
|
Symptoms - Head - Nose |
Nasal congestion |
Symptoms - Metabolic |
Frequent colds/flus| | "Symptoms of milk-protein allergy include cough, choking, gasping, nose colds, asthma, sneezing attacks..." [Annals of Allergy, 1951; 9] |
|
Symptoms - Respiratory |
Recent/chronic productive cough| | Respiratory symptoms of milk-protein allergy can include coughing, choking, gasping, nose colds, asthma and sneezing attacks. [Annals of Allergy, 1951; p.9] |
Shortness of breath |
| | | | |
Conditions that suggest Allergy to Cow's Milk:
Recommendations and treatments for Allergy to Cow's Milk: | | | | | Diet |  Plant-Based Nutrition| | Vegan foods, which can be bought at health food stores and many other places, are made without any animal products, such as eggs or milk. Be careful to read the labels of soy cheeses, though. They may say "milk-free," but they could contain milk protein. For your sweet tooth, soy- or rice-based frozen desserts, sorbets, and puddings are good substitutes for ice cream, as are ice pops. For baking, milk substitutes work as well as milk and some even come out better. Dairy-free margarine works as well as butter for recipes and spreading on a bagel. You might also want to look for foods labeled "parve" or "pareve": they are usually made without milk products according to kosher dietary laws. Kosher foods that are marked with a "D" are dairy and shouldn't be eaten. Those marked with "D.E." were made using dairy equipment and shouldn't be risked either. |
Dairy Products Avoidance
 Fried Foods Avoidance| | Try to avoid fried and battered foods, because even if the batter doesn't contain milk products, the oil used to fry the foods may have been used to fry something that did contain milk. |
|
Digestion |
Probiotics| | Oral administration of probiotic bacteria has been shown to stabilize intestinal integrity, promote local IgA production and reduce intestinal inflammation in atopic individuals with cow’s-milk allergy. |
|
| | | | |
KEY | | Weak or unproven link |  | | Strong or generally accepted link | | | Likely to help | | | Highly recommended |
GLOSSARY
Allergy (Allergies)
Hypersensitivity caused by exposure to a particular antigen (allergen), resulting in an increased reactivity to that antigen on subsequent exposure, sometimes with harmful immunologic consequences.
Anaphylactic Shock (Anaphalactic Shock, Anaphylaxis)
A serious and rapid allergic reaction usually involving more than one part of the body which, if severe enough, can kill. It is characterized by decreased blood pressure and impaired respiration.
Asthma (Asthmatic)
A lung disorder marked by attacks of breathing difficulty, wheezing, coughing, and thick mucus coming from the lungs. The episodes may be triggered by breathing foreign substances (allergens) or pollutants, infection, vigorous exercise, or emotional stress. Extrinsic Asthma is triggered by pollen, chemicals or some other external agent; Intrinsic Asthma is triggered by boggy membranes, congested tissues, or other native causes… even adrenalin stress or exertion.
Atopic (Atopic Allergy)
Genetically predisposed toward developing immediate hypersensitivity reactions to common environmental allergens.
Bacteria (Bacterial, Bacterium)
Microscopic germs. Some bacteria are "harmful" and can cause disease, while other "friendly" bacteria protect the body from harmful invading organisms.
Immunoglobulin A (IgA)
Supports mucosal immunity.
Lactose Intolerance (Lactose Intolerant)
A condition caused by a lack of an enzyme called lactase, which, in turn, causes the body to be unable to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk products. Common symptoms, which begin about 30 minutes to two hours after consuming foods or beverages containing lactose, may include: nausea, cramps, bloating, gas and/or diarrhea. The severity of symptoms varies depending on the amount of lactose consumed and the amount that an individual can tolerate.
Probiotic (Probiotics)
Derived from the Greek word for "life." Probiotic refers to organisms and substances which contribute to intestinal microbial balance. They are beneficial or "friendly" intestinal bacteria.
Prognosis
A prediction (estimate) of the future course and outcome of a disease and an indication of the likelihood of recovery from that disease.
Protein (Proteins)
Compounds composed of hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen present in the body and in foods that form complex combinations of amino acids. Protein is essential for life and is used for growth and repair. Foods that supply the body with protein include animal products, grains, legumes, and vegetables. Proteins from animal sources contain the essential amino acids. Proteins are changed to amino acids in the body.
Vegan (Veganism, Vegans)
A person who consumes no animal products of any kind. In other words, vegans do not consume meat, fish, fowl, dairy products, eggs, honey, or products containing gelatin or any other animal-derived ingredients such as whey powder or food colorings.
Last updated: Apr 20, 2009
|
 |
|
|
