By Sven Ullmann

Symptoms can manifest themselves in a variety of maladies. Vomiting, diarrhea, hives are three of the most common. Bloating, gas, watery eyes, skin rashes that can also include acne are among others. An asthmatic who also suffers from milk allergy can have complications with their asthma condition as a result or his or her allergy to milk. Another reaction is ear infections and hyperactivity, particularly in children. Minor milk allergy symptoms can go undiagnosed for years.

As a result of ongoing research more information is being made available for those who suffer from milk allergies. Also more and better alternatives to milk are being made available. Milk allergy sufferers are denied this valuable source of calcium in their diet and more palatable alternatives are important in replacing milk and milk productes for the allergy sufferers.

Soy products that were once ghastly are now quite delicious and soy milk itself is now do to improvements quite delicious and resemble milk quite well. Tofu is a great alternative to cheese. With products like these, milk allergy symptoms can easily be avoided. Take a short trip to your supermarket and youll find plenty of alternative dairy products. No longer will you have to avoid the common foods that you like the most, easy alternatives can be used.

One ingredient in milk is lactose, or milk sugar. Lactose intolerance is a type of milk allergy where the person experiencing the allergy is intolerant to the lactose in the milk itself An enzyme called lactase is responsible for breaking down lactose in the digestive process. It is estimated that up to seventy percent of the worlds population is lacking in this enzyme and some have none at all. This has caused problems in the past when international care packages of food relief were taken to countries on the African continent to fend off starvation and the milk products in the food was consumed by lactose intolerant people there.

Avoidance is the most common treatment for milk allergies. But as I stated previously that can be difficult. Anything containing the word casein should be avoided. Careful screening of preprocessed food labels is a must. Beyond that there has been some buzz about energy based allergy treatments. Many people have claimed to have been completely cured of all symptoms of milk allergy after undergoing an energy based allergy treatment. Energy based allergy treatments are quick and are not long and ongoing. They are an entire topic in themselves so I can only brief you on the topic here.

Article by Sven Ullmann, who runs Deserved Health - information on health for you and your family. Read more about milk allergy symptoms. Get our health newsletter.

By Marilyn Franklin

Food allergies come in many forms but the one that seems to manifest earliest is a milk allergy. This is because it is usually associated with infants and babies. When many people hear the term milk allergy they associate it with lactose intolerance. The confusion is understandable but the allergen or trigger for each of these problems is very different.

Allergies can start throughout your life. I didnt start having allergies to pollen until I was in my thirties. Others may have allergies start right out of the gate as infants. Though some pediatricians tell you that allergies to things like milk can be outgrown the jury is still out on how true that is. Some suspect that allergies that are 'outgrown' may actually just change in the sense that the symptoms may be less intense or different all together. Though a milk allergy is associated with childhood and infancy plenty of adults suffer as well.

Milk Allergy versus Lactose Intolerance

A true milk allergy is triggered by the protein in cows milk or any other type of dairy. A lactose intolerance is a reaction to the milk sugar lactose. Someone who is lactose intolerant has a problem with the level of an enzyme called lactase which is required to 'digest' the milk sugar lactose. This deficiency or absence happens usually after 5 years of age so someone who was fine drinking milk may suddenly start having this intolerance.

An allergy involves the response of the bodys immune system. The immune system is involved in causing the symptoms of a milk allergy while the symptoms of a lactose intolerance are usually gastrointestinal in nature.

Milk Allergy and Babies

As a mother of two I know what a terrifying and confusing time it is when your baby is sick. I was advised before giving birth that breastfeeding would help not only avoid a milk allergy but also with keeping the baby healthier in general. My experience with my firstborn led me to believe that the doctors and nurses were right. My daughter did not develop any milk allergy type symptoms and rarely got sick.

Unlike my daughter though my son who I also breast fed for his first year did develop symptoms like ear infections, asthma and eczema that indicate allergies. He also developed diarrhea at a certain point that led to an investigation into possible celiac disease. So bottom line you just dont know. Every baby is different and the amount of time they are breast fed can delay the onset of these symptoms like it did for my son.

Since milk allergies usually occur in infancy you may be wondering what are some of the symptoms of milk allergy in newborns. Here are some symptoms that can indicate a milk allergy:

Chronic Runny Nose
Coughing
Ear Infections
Colic
Rash
Eczema
Diarrhea
Recurring Colds

The best thing to do when you suspect this type of allergy is to consult with your doctor. Whether you are young, old or have a baby that seems to be reacting badly to milk. Only a doctor will be able to confirm your suspicions.

Whether you have a milk allergy or are lactose intolerant you will have to manage your intake of dairy products for the rest of your life. Some peoples reactions may be stronger than others so their approach might be different. Since there currently is no cure for this allergy you will most likely be advised to eliminate dairy products from your diet. Keep in mind that you will have to learn to identify milk proteins on ingredient lists. Your allergist can provide you with a list. With all this knowledge you will be able to live more comfortably with a milk allergy.

Marilyn Franklin writes for AllergyFiles.com where you can findmore information on dairy allergies.