Published March 26, 2018 by

Symptoms of a Milk Allergy in Adults: What Causes Lactose Intolerance

Milk allergy is caused when the immune system of the body mistakenly perceives protein present in milk to be harmful. Milk mainly consists of water, calcium, fat and lactose a type of sugar. There are at least 25 types of protein present in milk. Allergy develops when the immune system thinks any of these proteins are harmful. The two proteins in milk that are mainly found to be allergen are casein and whey protein. Milk allergy is most common in children but can also develop in adults, especially between 30 and 40 years of age.

Most cases of milk allergy are caused with cow’s milk. Allergic manifestation due to milk can develop on skin, gastrointestinal tract and respiratory tract.  Treatment in a patient having milk allergy is avoidance of milk and milk products.

Causes of Milk Allergy / Lactose Intolerance

Milk allergy is caused due to malfunction of immune system. The immune system identifies protein present in milk as harmful or allergen. This set off a reaction and the immune system starts producing IgE antibodies in order to counteract the proteins which the immune system believes is harmful.

When a person consumes milk next time, the IgE antibodies present in the body recognizes milk protein as harmful and signals the immune system to secrete histamine to neutralize them. However, during this process it can cause several allergic symptoms. Milk allergy is mainly caused by cow’s milk. The two types of protein called whey protein and casein in milk are known to cause allergic reaction. Casein is the found in the solid part of milk as the milk curdles. Whey protein is the liquid part that is left over after curd. Usually milk allergy is commonly seen in children but it can also develop in small percentage of adults. People allergic to cow’s milk are also allergic to buffalo, sheep and goat’s milk. The risk of allergy is increases if there is family history of milk allergy.

Symptoms of Milk Allergy

Milk allergy symptoms usually are limited to gastrointestinal system, respiratory system and skin. Severe allergic manifestation can be in the form of anaphylaxis shock, but it is rare. The common symptoms of milk allergy are as follows:

Skin:

  • Skin rash on the body surface.
  • Red itchy hives
  • The rash is dry and eczematous.
  • Swelling on lip and eyes.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms:

  • Abdominal cramps.
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Bloating of abdomen
  • Increased gas formation

Respiratory Symptoms:

  • Running nose
  • Sneezing
  • Irritation and pain in throat and nose.
  • Itching in nose and eyes.
  • Wheezing cough
  • Breathing distress.

Although very rare, milk allergy can cause anaphylaxis allergic reaction in adults too. It is a life threatening condition where the air passage becomes narrow due to swelling. Patient experiences difficulty while breathing. The vital signs such as blood pressure become low; pulse is feeble accompanied with profuse perspiration.

Are there Any Treatment Options If Someone is Allergic to Milk?

There is no treatment for milk allergy. The only treatment possible is to quit drinking milk and milk products for a person who has milk allergy. Milk allergy in adults does not go away soon. Complete avoidance is the only best solution to prevent milk allergy if the person knows he has milk allergy. Unlike children, adults usually do not outgrow milk allergy. The symptoms can be alleviated with anti histaminic medicines. However, in case the symptoms are severe and not responding to anti allergic drugs, corticosteroids can be helpful.

Related posts:

  1. Beef Allergy Symptoms: Causes And Treatment For Beef Intolerance
  2. Causes Of Lactose Intolerance: Symptoms And Treatment Options
  3. Calcium Deficiency Lactose Intolerance: Causes and Treatment
  4. Apple Allergy Symptoms: Treatment For Intolerance To Apples