While most people know that lactose intolerance can occur in some people and prevents them from being able to drink and digest milk, not many people know that there is something called milk protein allergy that can also make drinking milk an impossibility. This allergy is very common in infants and can range in the symptoms and the organs that it affects. If your child is having problems breathing, suffers from skin rashes, or is dealing with constipation, then it may be a good idea to have the doctor test for a milk protein allergy so you can know if you need to eliminate dairy from the diet.
What to Feed Your Child
One of the most stressful things to think about when dealing with a milk protein allergy for infants is what the baby can eat and still be safe and well-fed. It’s normal for mothers to become very stressed out about this, as they want to make sure that their child is getting everything that they need and is not in danger of missing nutrients or having a problem due to the allergy. The best option is for the baby to be breastfed, as this will completely eliminate any problems and will ensure that they do not have any contact with cow milk. Another great option is to feed them a formula that contains proteins that have been changed and broken down to make them easier to digest or ones that don’t have any added cow milk.
What Happens with Children Who Have this Allergy
Parents want to know what is going on with their children when they suffer from this allergy. When an infant has a milk protein allergy, it means that their immune system is reacting to the protein that is in cow’s milk and works hard to fight it each time the baby eats something containing it. This results in an allergic reaction in the body. While formula-fed babies have a higher chance of having this allergy, babies who are breast-fed can also suffer from it, so the mother may have to eliminate dairy from her diet to ensure the health of her child.
Some babies show an allergic reaction immediately after consuming cow’s milk, but for others, it might take days. Parents need to work with a doctor to diagnose this allergy and to help you come up with a plan on how to keep your child away from dairy.
It is true that most children will outgrow their milk protein allergy, but some do not, so it’s important to always keep an eye on the health of your child. Talking to a doctor about alternatives to calcium and other nutrients found in milk will ensure that your child is as healthy as possible during this time.
