Are you or your child a big fan of milk but can’t seem to drink it without feeling ill? If that’s the case, you may be among the 6.1 million Americans with a milk allergy.
This condition is often confused with milk intolerance. You may expose yourself to ineffective treatments if you are not properly diagnosed. This blog will tell you more about what milk allergy is and how you can test for it.
IgE And Non-IgE Mediated Allergy
Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is the antibody that releases chemicals during an allergic reaction. Normally, you’d have a small concentration (100-300 Ul/ml) of IgE in your blood. Your allergy can be IgE or non-IgE mediated. This depends on whether the IgE concentration in your blood increases after coming into contact with an allergen.
IgE-mediated food allergies result in immediate activation of your immune response. Your cells will release histamine and cytokine, which will trigger symptoms. In the case of milk allergies, you’re more likely to exhibit symptoms immediately if your milk allergy is IgE mediated.
If you have a non-IgE mediated allergy, you will notice symptoms after a few hours. With a non-IgE mediated milk allergic reaction, you’ll most likely experience gastrointestinal symptoms like hives and breathing difficulties. Because of the long reaction time and symptom similarities, some milk allergies may be misdiagnosed as lactose intolerance.
Milk Allergy Vs. Milk Intolerance
Milk allergy and milk intolerance differ when it comes to the affected organ systems. Milk intolerance, also known as lactose intolerance, is an issue of the digestive system. Milk allergy is an immune system condition.
Another difference between milk allergy and milk intolerance is the active agent causing your symptoms. Casein and whey, the two dominant proteins in milk, cause milk allergies. Casein is the protein in solid milk curd, while whey is the remnant liquid. The inability to digest lactose because your body does not produce lactase causes lactose intolerance.
Despite these differences, milk allergy and milk intolerance are often confused with each other. This phenomenon may likely be because of its similarities in symptoms.
Similar symptoms include an upset stomach and diarrhea. However, a milk allergy also has other symptoms such as:
- Wheezing and coughing
- Vomiting
- Hives
- Throat tightness
- Swelling lips, tongue, or throat
- Itchy mouth, tongue, or throat
This allergy can also be life-threatening, because it can cause anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is characterized by:
- Difficulty breathing
- Shock
- facial flushing
- Swelling lips, tongue, or throat
- Itchy mouth, tongue, or throat
Should you notice someone with these symptoms, rush them to the ER for an epinephrine shot. As it is such a life-threatening situation, properly diagnosing milk allergy is necessary. Diagnosis is essential, so you experience the least complications and symptoms possible.
Diagnostic Tests for Milk Allergy
Your doctor may require a physical test and a history of your symptoms for diagnostic purposes. Make sure you mention all dairy foods you’ve been eating – especially before symptoms occur. Be sure to mention these types of food as they can help narrow down the diagnosis:
- Yogurt, milkshakes, malts
- Pancakes, muffins, donuts, and commercially-prepared baked goods
- Whey and rye bread
- Cakes, cookies, custards, and other cream desserts
- Pizza
- Chowders and creamed soups
- Cheese
- Chocolates and caramels
- Butter and margarine
A history of symptoms and physical tests may be insufficient in diagnosing allergies. As such, you may be asked to take diagnostic tests to pinpoint the exact cause of your symptoms.
Doctors may use blood tests to diagnose allergies. People with more than 200 KU/L of IgE in their blood may be at greater risk of allergic reactions.
A skin test is also a useful diagnostic method. Your doctor will expose a portion of your skin with milk protein and see how your body reacts. The presence of hives or rashes indicates an allergic reaction to either whey or casein protein.
You may also need to take an oral challenge, in which you will consume different types of foods with varying milk content under the supervision of your doctor. Your doctor will slowly increase your intake of certain foods and then observe whether you react to those with milk.
Milk Allergy And Intolerance Testing In Downtown Cleveland, OH
A milk allergy is different than milk intolerance. Differentiating between the two can save a life. To get a diagnosis, you should discuss your symptoms with your doctor, then take a blood test or a skin test. These tests trigger an immune response, so you should only take them with a trained medical professional.
If you suspect you or your child have a milk allergy, take the necessary tests for good measure. Here at NorthShore Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Centers, we offer a variety of services to our patients. Testing for milk allergy and milk intolerance is among these services. Once we determine what’s causing your symptoms, you can take the necessary steps to control your condition.
We have two locations in the county you can visit by simply filling out our online forms. For more details about our services, please call us at (440) 808-1212. We look forward to serving you!