Key Strategies for Managing a Milk Allergy

North Texas milk allergy management.
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Milk is one of the most common food allergies affecting young children. Most often found in children under 3 years old, this allergy is a potential severe health issue that requires personalized milk allergy management. As a rich source of calcium and protein, milk is found in a wide variety of food items. Therefore, if you notice any signs of a milk allergy, it’s important to speak with your North Texas allergist about the best strategies for managing the condition.

What Are the Best Ways to Manage a Milk Allergy?

Patient-centered milk allergy management considers a patient’s allergic reactions and determines whether they are a good candidate for an innovative treatment approach. The following strategies can help those with allergies minimize the risk of responses.

Familiarize Yourself With Milk Allergy Symptoms

It’s essential to quickly identify the signs of a potential allergic reaction, particularly for parents of young children. Common symptoms here include stomach pain, hives, vomiting, diarrhea, itching and swelling of the lips and throat and wheezing. And a person of any age could, in rare cases, experience a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock. These signs includes hives, lip swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, wheezing, rapid pulse, severe breathing difficulties, even loss of consciousness.

Visit an Allergist for Milk Allergy Testing

When someone experiences these symptoms after consuming milk, allergy testing is important for diagnosing the condition. Allergists are likely to use skin prick testing and blood work to see how a person reacts to the allergen on their skin. In this simple procedure, small amounts of milk protein are placed on the forearm and the skin is gently scratched. Those dealing with a milk allergy will usually experience some temporary swelling or redness at the site.

Check Food Labels

Checking food labels can often prevent unexpected exposure to the milk allergens that may be found in various food products. This is why food manufacturers are required to label products that contain milk, whether intentionally as part of the recipe or through possible cross-contamination in a food production facility. If you have doubts or have not yet sought guidance from an allergist, it’s best to make an appointment with a board certified allergist who can guide you on navigating your potential food allergy to milk.

Carry an Epinephrine Auto-Injector

An epinephrine auto-injector is a life-saving device that delivers the medication used to interrupt a case of anaphylaxis. You should have access to multiple auto-injectors at home, work or school, and those with allergies (as well as their parents or teachers) must understand exactly how to administer this medication.

Follow a Personalized Milk Allergy Treatment Plan

For many patients, milk allergy desensitization will be the best option to prevent severe reactions and improve quality of life. Oral immunotherapy is an innovative treatment that involves gradual exposure to milk protein under medical supervision. Similarly, food sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) also helps build immune system tolerance and uses food allergy drops placed directly under the tongue. While both of these methods are effective, we have found that patients often like the ease and convenience of food allergy drops.

Contact Us for Milk Allergy Treatment Options in McKinney, Prosper and Southlake

TexasAllergyMD provides innovative food allergy care for adults and children. Visit one of our allergy treatment centers in McKinney/Prosper or Southlake for milk allergy testing and treatment. Call (469) 375-1525 or request an appointment.

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