What is the purpose of this test?
Order this Milk Allergy IgE Blood Test to measure IgE antibody levels in the blood and help detect an allergy to cow's milk. Milk is known for being a commonly encountered allergy, the culprit being the proteins (whey and casein) in the milk. Although milk allergies mainly occur in young children, they can emerge at any age. An allergic reaction may even be caused by foods containing milk consumed previously without any problems. This test
What causes an allergy to milk?
A milk allergy is triggered by a reaction in an individual's immune system. The body views certain substances as toxic and produces IgE antibodies to these contaminants. These antibodies cause histamine to be released, which will cause the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
What is the difference between a milk allergy and lactose intolerance?
It is essential for individuals not to confuse a milk allergy with lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is not an allergic reaction and does not involve the immune system. Lactose intolerance is when the body cannot digest lactose, the sugar in dairy products. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include gas, stomach pain, and diarrhea. However, for individuals with a milk allergy, the symptoms affect more than just the digestive tract.
What foods or products should I avoid if I have a milk allergy?
Allergic individuals should steer clear of milk, dairy products, and food and ingredients containing milk to prevent an allergic reaction. Unfortunately, milk is present in so many foods it can be challenging to avoid.
Individuals needing to remove milk from their diet should pay close attention to the ingredients in the following common products:
- Dairy products (cheeses, butter, margarine, and all forms of dairy milk)
- Ice cream and Sherbet
- Custards, yogurt, and pudding
- Sauces that contain dairy
- Au gratin dishes
- Baked goods (cookies, bread, crackers, and cakes)
- Chocolate, nougat, and cream candy
- Coffee creamers
- Malted milk
- Creamed or scalloped foods
- Mashed potatoes
- Salad dressings
- Canned and processed meats, including cold cuts and deli meats
- Casein and caseinates
- Ghee
- Curd
- Rennet
- Hydrolysates
- Lactalbumin, lactalbumin phosphate
- Whey and Whey products
- Lactose, lactoglobulin, lactoferrin, and lactulose
Individuals allergic to cow's milk should also use caution when consuming milk from goats, sheep, and buffalo. The proteins in milk from these mammals are similar to those found in cow's milk and may not be tolerable.
When should I order a Milk Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Individuals may order this test if they have experienced symptoms related to a milk allergy. Allergy symptoms vary from one individual to the next ranging from mild to severe reactions, which can occur within minutes to hours after exposure or consumption. Common symptoms of a milk allergy may include one or more of the following symptoms:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Vomiting
- Hives
- Itching or tingling around the mouth or lips
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
- Watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Wheezing
A severe, possibly life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis can occur in the most severe cases. An anaphylactic response requires immediate medical attention. Signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
- Rapid or increased pulse
- Swollen throat or lump making it difficult to breathe
- Low blood pressure
- Extreme dizziness or loss of consciousness
