Definition: Milk allergy is an allergic reaction to the proteins found in cow’s milk. When infants have a milk allergy, their immune system will attack milk proteins in a reaction that may occur immediately after consuming milk products or, more commonly, as many as 10 days after consumption.
Symptoms of a milk allergy include diarrhea (which may contain blood), vomiting, and skin rashes. An immediate reaction may also cause hives or wheezing. Anaphylactic reactions are rare, but do occur.
If you think your child has a milk allergy, consult your doctor right away. If milk allergy is confirmed, the doctor will often recommend switching to a different formula or recommend that breastfeeding moms eliminate milk products from their diets.
