Casein Allergy Overview
If a glass of milk or a slice of pizza precipitates a runny nose, itchy skin, swollen lips, or other symptoms, you may have an allergy to casein, a protein in milk. Another milk protein associated with allergies is whey. Some people are allergic to both casein and whey.
Most people with these allergies develop them when they are infants and outgrow them as they get older. However, some people do not outgrow them and continue to be allergic as adults. It is unusual to develop an allergy to milk proteins later in life.
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Casein Allergy: Cause and Symptoms
A casein allergy occurs when your body's immune system mistakenly thinks the protein is harmful and produces antibodies for protection. This triggers the release of body chemicals such as histamine that cause symptoms that may include:
- swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, face, and/or throat
- skin reactions such as hives, a rash, or red, itchy skin
- nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, coughing, or wheezing
The most serious reaction to milk allergy is called anaphylaxis. This is a potentially deadly reaction that happens rapidly. Allergy to foods (including casein in milk) is believed to be the leading cause of anaphylaxis outside the hospital setting. People who have asthma in addition to a casein allergy may be at greater risk of having an anaphylactic reaction to food.
Symptoms such as swelling inside your mouth, chest pain, or difficulty breathing within minutes of consuming a milk product may mean you are experiencing an anaphylactic reaction and need emergency medical attention.
Casein Allergy Treatment
If you are diagnosed with a casein allergy, your doctor may have you carry a shot of epinephrine with you in case you accidentally eat a food containing casein and suffer a reaction. Your doctor will show you how to give the shot. You may also want to keep an over-the-counter antihistamine on hand to help alleviate allergy symptoms.
If you experience a severe allergic reaction with symptoms of anaphylaxis, call 911 for emergency help and give yourself the shot to counteract the reaction until help arrives. Because up to one-third of anaphylactic reactions can have a second wave of symptoms several hours following the initial attack, you may need to be observed in a clinic or hospital for four to eight hours after the initial reaction.
Casein Allergy Prevention
The best treatment for casein allergy is prevention. To prevent an allergic reaction to casein, you must follow a casein-free diet, avoiding all foods that contain milk or milk products.
Avoiding milk products involves more than just leaving the cheese off your sandwich. It may also mean leaving off the deli meat if it was cut with the same equipment used to slice the cheese. Even miniscule amounts of casein may be enough to trigger a reaction.
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