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How can I Cope with Dairy Allergies?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Dairy allergies are among the most common food allergies in the world, and there are a number of techniques which can be used to live with these allergies. As with all food allergies, it is very important to take allergy tests or go on an elimination diet to confirm that dairy is the culprit behind the allergic reactions. An allergy specialist can provide a consultation for a patient who believes that he or she has a dairy allergy. Confirmation is important because a wide array of foods can cause allergies, and it is important to narrow down the true allergen.

It is also important to distinguish between allergies and intolerance. When someone is allergic to dairy, his or her immune system has developed antibodies to casein or whey, two proteins found in dairy products. When dairy is ingested, the body's immune system reacts, causing hives, congestion, eczema, and other symptoms. With a dairy intolerance, the patient lacks the enzymes needed to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk, and as a result, he or she experiences gastrointestinal distress when dairy is consumed. Allergies can be life threatening, while an intolerance is simply uncomfortable and unpleasant.

Dairy products and eggs.
Dairy products and eggs.

In the case of someone with true dairy allergies, all dairy products need to be avoided. This includes milk, yogurt, kefir, cheese, cream, and so forth. People also need to watch out for casein, whey, and other milk products in processed foods, especially soy meat substitutes made for vegetarians. Many soy products are fortified with casein to increase the amount of available protein in the food. Dairy products are also sometimes hidden as “natural flavorings,” which can make them hard to avoid.

Some people with allergies to cow's milk can still drink milk from goats.
Some people with allergies to cow's milk can still drink milk from goats.

Some people with dairy allergies cannot drink cow's milk, but they can consume goat, sheep, or other milks. This is because dairy allergies can manifest in slightly different ways, triggering unique reactions. Before testing other dairy products to check for a reaction, a patient should talk with his or her allergy specialist. Patients who experience severe reactions to dairy may also need to carry an epinephrine injector so that in the event that they ingest dairy products, they can be treated rapidly.

People with dairy allergies may have a flare-up of eczema when they ingest dairy.
People with dairy allergies may have a flare-up of eczema when they ingest dairy.

In the case of dairy intolerance, some people avoid dairy products, while others take oral supplements to replace the enzymes their bodies are not making so that they can drink milk. Lactase-fortified milk is also available. Lactose levels are also very low in cheeses, especially hard cheeses, so many people with lactose intolerance can successfully enjoy cheese without experiencing symptoms.

Parents may be pleased to learn that children often grow out of dairy allergies by the age of five or six.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • Dairy products and eggs.
      Dairy products and eggs.
    • Some people with allergies to cow's milk can still drink milk from goats.
      By: Gerhard Seybert
      Some people with allergies to cow's milk can still drink milk from goats.
    • People with dairy allergies may have a flare-up of eczema when they ingest dairy.
      By: quayside
      People with dairy allergies may have a flare-up of eczema when they ingest dairy.
    • Food allergies may manifest as hives.
      By: Jürgen Fälchle
      Food allergies may manifest as hives.
    • Anti-itch cream can be applied to alleviate the symptoms of hives.
      By: picsfive
      Anti-itch cream can be applied to alleviate the symptoms of hives.
    • Dietary supplements can help people deal with dairy allergies.
      By: Feng Yu
      Dietary supplements can help people deal with dairy allergies.
    • Congestion is a common symptom associated with dairy allergies.
      By: Syda Productions
      Congestion is a common symptom associated with dairy allergies.
    • Many people have an allergy or intolerance to the lactose found in dairy products.
      By: lidante
      Many people have an allergy or intolerance to the lactose found in dairy products.