Symptoms of Milk Protein Allergy in Babies

Skin Problems

Skin problems may be evident in a baby who is allergic to milk protein. Rashes, swelling (angioedema), hives, eczema and itchy/red bumps on the skin are indicators of a milk protein allergy. Skin irritation that arises after a baby is exposed to milk protein over a period of time will generally be relieved within a few days, if no longer ingesting the allergen.

Behavior Changes

A normally happy, satisfied baby may exhibit sudden behavior changes due to a milk protein allergy. An infant can become irritable or colicky within hours of consuming milk or milk-based products. This behavior change is typically due to pain in the digestive system, and subsides as the cause for digestive upset is removed from the diet.

Digestive Upset

A milk protein allergy can cause severe digestive distress and upset, including abdominal pain or cramping, vomiting or copious amounts of spit up, loose stools, diarrhea and possible bloody diarrhea. A baby with a milk protein allergy may also gag during feeding, or refuse food or milk completely. Digestive upset symptoms occur within hours or days of being exposed to an allergen; an examination by a pediatrician is necessary to rule out other causes. If milk protein is the culprit, a baby will feel better quickly after exposure to the allergen ceases, depending on how fast the previous milk ingestion passes through the digestive system.

Breathing Problems

A baby can develop asthma as the result of an allergy to milk protein. Wheezing and difficulty breathing can occur; call 911 immediately if your baby experiences the sudden onset of breathing problems and cannot catch his breath. A slower development of the condition over the course of a few days should be addressed by a pediatrician to rule out any underlying problems.

Anaphlyaxis

Anaphylaxis is more common with allergies to foods rather than to milk protein, and is a serious rapid-onset symptom that can cause death. It usually affects the baby's entire body, including the skin, stomach, breathing and blood pressure. Symptoms occur within seconds or minutes of exposure to the allergen, and include wheezing, swelling, abdominal pain, fainting, nausea or vomiting, abnormal breathing sounds, heart palpitations, skin redness and rash, confusion and anxiety. Anaphylactic reactions require attention at a hospital emergency room, and if suspected, 911 must be called immediately.