Allergic Elements

• According to Alpha Education Children's Center, there are many potentially antigenic proteins in cow's milk, which is the basis of most dairy production. The most prevalent of these is casein, also referred to as caseinate and sodium caseinate. There are reported to be 30 milk proteins that are antigenic (cause production of antibodies) while up to 100 antigenic milk proteins can be created by digestive processes involving dairy products. The production of antibodies can cause adverse immune reactions that result in dairy allergies.
  
  

Symptoms

• According to the Food and Allergy Anaphylaxis Network, the signs of allergic reactions to dairy fall into two categories: immediate reaction and delayed reaction. The symptoms that are present in immediate reactions can include the appearance of hives on the skin, nausea or vomiting and respiratory irregularities such as wheezing or shortness of breath. Symptoms that are indicative of a delayed reaction can include diarrhea or loose stools, stomach cramps, a permanent rash on the skin and more severe respiratory problems.
  
  

Severe Side Effects

• Although many children will be able to avoid serious long-term health problems with treatment, dairy allergies that are not addressed can result in many debilitating conditions, according to the Food and Allergy Anaphylaxis Network. Among these are asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease and anemia, and, in some cases, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be a result of severe long-term dairy allergies in children. Anaphylactic shock can also occur, which closes off the airways and can lead to asphyxiation if not addressed immediately.
  
  

Diagnosing

• According to Dr. Stephen Wangen, the occurrence of known symptoms of dairy allergies that coincides with the consumption of a dairy product is a fairly positive method of recognizing this condition. However, a more conclusive medical examination may be necessary. In some cases, a skin test may determine the presence of antibodies, although this may be the result of an unrelated allergic reaction. A food allergy panel may be necessary to screen any possible allergens in a child's diet other than dairy protein allergies.
  
  

Treatment

• Most cases of dairy allergy in children can be addressed by dietary changes that eliminate the foods that are normally ingested. Antigenic milk proteins are found in many food products other than milk, butter and cheeses and can include snack items such as potato chips or crackers, breads and cookies and cakes. Package labels can be monitored for signs of milk in manufacturing processes as well. Rice milk, soy milk and nut milks may be substituted for cow's milk, although allergic conditions relative to these items should be assessed first.