Milk Allergy

A milk allergy is a food allergy, an adverse immune reaction to one or more of the constituents of milk from any animal (most commonly alpha S1-casein, a protein in cow's milk). Allergy to cow's milk is the most common food allergy in infants and young children. Symptoms of milk allergy reaction can range from mild, such as hives, to severe such as anaphylaxis. The main treatment for milk allergy is total avoidance of milk proteins. Frequently medications such as an Epinephrine pen or an Antihistamine such as Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) are prescribed by an allergist in case of accidental ingestion. Milk protein allergy can be successfully managed in primary care with the support of a dietician; consultation with other specialists should be reserved for severe allergies, failure to respond to standard management, and specific allergy testing if indicated.