Symptoms in Infants With Milk Allergies

Dairy allergies are one of the most common allergies found in infants. Dairy allergies usually occur when an infant's immune system has a reaction to the milk protein. Symptoms will usually begin to be seen in the first few months of life. These symptoms can occur gradually or come on suddenly after a feeding. As the immune system matures, most infants outgrow their milk protein allergies.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

• Babies with a dairy allergy may suffer from diarrhea, often blood streaked, and vomiting. They may also experience gas, bloating and abdominal cramping.

Skin Rashes

• A red, scaly rash called eczema may appear in the first few months of life in dairy-allergic babies. Hives, a raised red rash that resembles mosquito bites, may develop suddenly after ingesting milk protein.

Anaphylaxsis

• In rare instances, infants with a dairy allergy may have a life threatening anaphylactic reaction, which involves swelling of the mouth, lips or throat, resulting in difficulty in breathing and loss of consciousness. If this occurs, call 911 immediately.

Other Considerations

• Infants with milk protein allergies may also have subtle symptoms such as extreme fussiness due to gastrointestinal discomfort. Babies who seem to have colic may actually be suffering from a dairy allergy.

Diagnosis

• If you suspect that your child has a dairy allergy, talk to your pediatrician. Allergies can be diagnosed through a blood test or a skin test.