Goat's Milk Allergy Symptoms

Goat's milk is the preferred dairy drink in many parts of the world, and the mildly sweet and slightly salty beverage is gaining popularity in America. Some people believe that goat's milk is less allergenic and more digestible than cow's milk. And, goats are kinder to the environment, requiring less land on which to graze than larger cattle. However, allergic reactions can still be a concern.

Milk Allergies

• Mothers say goat's milk is less allergenic but scientists disagree.

  Milk from goats, sheep and buffalo can cause serious allergic reactions. According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, milk allergy is the most common food allergy in children, although most outgrow it by age 16.
  Scientific studies, according to both the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and National Institutes of Health, do not support the anecdotal reports claiming that goat's milk is less allergenic than cow's milk. Most children who are allergic to cow's milk are also allergic to goat's milk.
  Children and adults usually have allergic reactions within a few minutes to a few hours after consuming milk. Allergies are caused by an overreaction of the immune system, a sensitization to the histamines and antibodies released when a foreign substance enters the body. Avoidance is the main treatment for milk allergy.

Allergy Symptoms

• Hives, wheezing, and sneezing are common milk allergy symptoms

  Food allergies are on the rise, increasing 18 percent in children during the last decade, reports the American Medical Association. Goat's milk allergy symptoms may range in severity from mild hives or eczema to a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction. The most common symptoms of goat's milk allergy are: hives, wheezing, runny nose, sneezing, swelling, and vomiting. Other symptoms include: asthma, coughing, nasal congestion, itchy rash, watery eyes, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and colic in babies.
  Anaphylaxis is a sudden and severe whole-body reaction to an allergen, which requires "an immediate trip to the emergency room" and treatment with an EpiPen (epinephrine shot), according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms include breathing difficulties caused by swelling of the throat or tongue, a fast but weak pulse, hives, facial flushing or paleness, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and shock accompanied by a severe drop in blood pressure.

Allergic or Intolerant?

• There is a difference between milk allergy and lactose intolerance. Lactose or milk-protein intolerance is a digestive problem, unrelated to the immune system, in which a person's body lacks the enzyme to digest lactose protein. Abdominal bloating, cramps, nausea, flatulence, and diarrhea are common symptoms of lactose intolerance.
  Goat's milk, like cow's milk, does contain lactose, though in slightly lower levels.

Tips & Warnings

• • An anaphylactic reaction is a medical emergency and can lead to unconsciousness or death if not treated immediately.
  • Persons allergic to cow's milk should not consume goat's milk without having an immunologist test their tolerance to it.
  • Soy or rice milk may be a safer choice for persons allergic to goat's milk, although soy milk contains proteins which can also cause allergic reactions.