Milk allergy test

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Milk Allergy Test

Milk allergy is a response of the body’s immune system to proteins in animal milk. Evidence shows milk allergy is a common diagnosis in infants and children. While it is overdiagnosed in some cases, milk allergy is underdiagnosed in many others as well. Milk allergy is highly prevalent among the US pediatric population as it accounts for one-fifth of all food allergies. A study of 38,480 children showed that milk allergy was the second most common type of allergy in American children, right after allergy to peanuts.

The Milk Allergy Rapid Test has been designed to detect Milk sIgE through visual interpretation of color development in the internal strip. The test is for qualitative determination of Milk specific Immunoglobulin E (sIgE) in human serum, plasma or whole blood. The test, in conjunction with other clinical observations, is intended to identify persons with allergic symptoms maybe mediated by Milk-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) Type I hypersensitivity.

Included in The Milk Allergy Test

  • Milk Allergy Test Device.
  • Disposable pipettes.
  • Package insert.
  • Whole blood buffer.

Milk Allergy Test Instructions

Milk Allergy Test instructions EN

Milk allergy vs. lactose intolerance

It is not uncommon for people to assume milk allergy and lactose intolerance are the same things. They are not! Lactose intolerance occurs due to the insufficient level of the enzyme lactase that breaks down milk sugar called lactose. On the other hand, milk allergy is a type of food allergy that happens due to the immune system’s reaction to the protein in milk; usually alpha S1-casein protein.

Milk allergy tends to develop in childhood. Lactose intolerance is more common than milk allergy, but it takes longer to develop, and it can appear at any point in life.

Symptoms of milk allergy

Immediate signs and symptoms of milk allergy are:

  • Hives
  • Shortness of breath
  • Coughing and wheezing
  • Swollen lips, tongue, and/or throat
  • Itching sensation around lips or mouth

Some signs and symptoms develop slowly, and they include abdominal cramps, watery eyes and runny nose, diarrhea, skin rash, colic in babies.

When to see a doctor?

Parents should take their child to the doctor or an allergist if the above-mentioned symptoms occur shortly after milk has been consumed. It would be ideal for taking a child to see the doctor when an allergic reaction is ongoing to make it easier for the healthcare provider to establish an accurate diagnosis.

How is milk allergy detected?

Food allergies are not easy to diagnose, which is why a doctor will ask questions about symptoms you experience as well as medical and family history. Then, they perform a physical exam and order some tests, including a skin test and blood test. The skin test involves pricking the skin and exposing it to small amounts of allergen, in this case, milk proteins. Presence of allergy would manifest itself in the form of hives or rash. The blood test is recommended to measure the response of the immune system to milk by tracking the levels of IgE (immunoglobulin E) antibodies. Bear in mind that blood test alone can’t detect allergy to milk.

When it comes to infants, the doctor may recommend an elimination diet and track symptoms experienced. In children older than two years, doctors may also recommend an elimination diet and counseling with a dietitian experienced in pediatric nutrition to avoid hidden allergens. Treatment of milk allergy revolves around avoiding consumption of milk and milk proteins. In case a child (or an adult) accidentally consumes milk and experiences severe allergic reaction then emergency injection of epinephrine is necessary.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4298661/

https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/132/Supplement_1/S17.2

http://www.espghan.org/fileadmin/user_upload/guidelines_pdf/Diagnostic_Approach_and_Management_of_Cow_s_Milk.28.pdf