Milk allergy is a common allergy in infants. In this article, we will discuss the details, frequently asked questions, pros, and tips related to milk allergy in infants.
Symptoms of Milk Allergy in Infants

The symptoms of milk allergy in infants can vary from mild to severe, including:
- Hives
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Blood in the stool
- Constipation
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Colic
Causes of Milk Allergy in Infants

Milk allergy occurs when the immune system reacts to the proteins in milk. The proteins that cause milk allergy are casein and whey. When the immune system recognizes these proteins as harmful, it releases histamines and other chemicals that cause the symptoms of milk allergy.
Diagnosis of Milk Allergy in Infants

The diagnosis of milk allergy in infants can be made by a healthcare provider through a physical exam, medical history, and allergy testing. Allergy testing may include a skin prick test, a blood test, or an oral food challenge.
Treatment of Milk Allergy in Infants

The treatment of milk allergy in infants is to avoid all milk and milk products. Infants who are allergic to milk may need a special formula that does not contain milk. In severe cases, medication such as antihistamines or epinephrine may be necessary.
Prevention of Milk Allergy in Infants

The prevention of milk allergy in infants is not yet clear. However, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life may help to reduce the risk of milk allergy. Additionally, delaying the introduction of cow’s milk and other dairy products until after 12 months of age may also help to reduce the risk of milk allergy.
Outgrowing Milk Allergy in Infants

Many infants outgrow milk allergy by the age of three. However, some infants may have milk allergy into adulthood. It is important to work with a healthcare provider to determine if and when an infant has outgrown milk allergy.
FAQ

What is the difference between milk allergy and lactose intolerance?

Milk allergy is an immune response to the proteins in milk, while lactose intolerance is a digestive problem that occurs when the body cannot digest lactose, a sugar found in milk.
Is it safe to give an infant soy formula instead of milk formula?

Infants who are allergic to milk may be given a soy formula instead. However, some infants may also be allergic to soy, so it is important to work with a healthcare provider to determine the best formula for an infant with milk allergy.
Can an infant with milk allergy still breastfeed?

Yes, an infant with milk allergy can still breastfeed as long as the mother avoids all milk and milk products.
Can milk allergy in infants cause eczema?

Milk allergy in infants may cause eczema, a skin condition that causes red, itchy, and inflamed skin.
Is there a cure for milk allergy in infants?

There is no cure for milk allergy in infants. The only treatment is to avoid all milk and milk products.
Can milk allergy in infants cause anaphylaxis?

Yes, milk allergy in infants can cause anaphylaxis, a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction.
Can milk allergy in infants cause asthma?

Milk allergy in infants may cause asthma, a respiratory condition that causes difficulty breathing and wheezing.
Can milk allergy in infants cause failure to thrive?

Milk allergy in infants may cause failure to thrive, a condition in which an infant does not gain weight or grow as expected.
Pros

Identifying and avoiding milk and milk products can help to prevent the symptoms of milk allergy in infants.
Tips

- If an infant is allergic to milk, it is important to read food labels carefully to avoid all milk and milk products.
- An infant with milk allergy may need to carry an epinephrine auto-injector in case of a severe allergic reaction.
- It is important to work with a healthcare provider to determine the best formula for an infant with milk allergy.
- Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life may help to reduce the risk of milk allergy.
- Delaying the introduction of cow’s milk and other dairy products until after 12 months of age may also help to reduce the risk of milk allergy.
- Parents of infants with milk allergy should educate caregivers and family members about the infant’s allergy and how to avoid milk and milk products.
Summary

Milk allergy is a common allergy in infants that occurs when the immune system reacts to the proteins in milk. The symptoms of milk allergy can vary from mild to severe and may include hives, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis. The only treatment for milk allergy in infants is to avoid all milk and milk products. Infants with milk allergy may need a special formula that does not contain milk. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life may help to reduce the risk of milk allergy, and delaying the introduction of cow’s milk and other dairy products until after 12 months of age may also help to reduce the risk. Parents of infants with milk allergy should educate caregivers and family members about the infant’s allergy and how to avoid milk and milk products.