Allergies to Protein

Protein forms the basis of all meat and dairy products. While meat allergies are rare, allergies to the protein in dairy products are actually quite common, especially in babies with their immature immune systems. Some people's immune systems treat the protein as a threat to the body and overreact to its presence. The result is an uncomfortable and potentially life-threatening set of symptoms that make it worth taking steps to prevent a reaction.

Protein Allergy Symptoms

• If your child develops frequent diarrhea, vomiting or bloody stools, this may be an indicator of a protein allergy. Your child may also develop a skin rash or eczema, which is easy to mistake for cradle cap. Watch eczema, which can spread. If left untreated, it can crack, bleed and become infected. A severe milk allergy can cause anaphylaxis. It's a potentially life-threatening medical emergency characterized by swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue and throat, hives and itching, and difficulty breathing. If you or someone in your family has a reaction like this, get to a hospital immediately.

Diagnosis

• If your doctor suspects any kind of food allergy, she may refer you to an allergist to confirm exactly what foods are causing the allergic reaction. The allergist may perform a skin test in which your skin is scratched with a drop of the allergen to see if it reacts. Food allergies can also be identified through a special blood test. According to life123.com, cow's milk is primarily responsible for protein allergies in children, but peanuts, shrimp and seafood can be the primary source for protein allergies in adults. It is important to know what foods you're allergic to so you can immediately begin making the appropriate dietary changes.

Milk Proteins

• Aside from cow's milk, butter, cheese and ice cream, if you or someone in your family has a milk allergy, it is critical to check all ingredient labels for milk products. Words to consider include buttermilk solids, calcium caseinate, caseinate, chocolate, cream, curds, custard, ghee, half-and-half, junket, lactalbumin, lactoglobulin, lactose, malted milk, non-fat milk solids, nougat, Simplesse, sodium caseinate, whey and whey solids. Many product labels specifically list allergens including milk.

Dietary Changes

• Once you know you or a family member has a milk protein allergy, you can begin eliminating milk products from the diet. If your breastfed baby develops a milk allergy, you can still control it by changing your own diet. You can replace many milk products with soy or rice products. Milk in cooking can often be replaced with water or apple juice. You can still obtain the health benefits of milk through dietary supplements such as calcium and vitamins A and D.

Permanence

• Milk protein allergies can develop at any time and may certainly be permanent, but many children outgrow this type of food allergy. You can have your child tested periodically or, with your doctor's supervision, try him on small amounts of dairy products. Keep diphenhydramine and epinephrine in the house if your child has a serious food allergy.