Son diagnosed with 2+ milk allergy; should I avoid all dairy?

My 19 month old son was diagnosed today with 2+ (1-4 scale) allergies to milk and soy. The doctor said to start him on rice milk, but I can continue feeding him cheese, yogurt, etc. This doesn't make sense to me - what do you think? Would I need to avoid milk in ALL products then as well? It would seem so. My daughter is allergic to peanuts so I am well versed in reading labels...

The doctor is assuming that your son is allergic to lactose. So since the bacteria cultures in cheese and yogurt consume most of the lactose these are usually fine choices. But I do understand your concerns, as moms we are programmed to be leery of advice that doesn't always quite make sense. And it is possible that your son could have problems with cheese and yogurt if he doesn't have a lactose allergy and instead has a milk protein allergy. Try giving him yogurt first thing in the morning with nothing else, if he is fine and has no "issues" in his diaper, then it most likely is a lactose problem and you will be able to breathe a little easier about the cheeses and yogurt. And if it is a lactose problem, it's very likely that he will outgrow this condition in time.

I would continue feeding him the dairy products that your doctor says is ok. Dairy is very good for us and if he isn't allergic to it he should eat it! Good luck I know it must be hard having to very large allergies in your family. I'm allergic to black pepper and it's in everything..... I wish you the best.

Avoid!

My older son, now 5 yrs old, was diagnosed with a dairy allergy (he is also allergic to peanuts) at 12 months. We have strictly avoided it ever since. Even dairy as an ingrediant will cause his eczema to flare and he will vomit. Not a pretty sight.

Also join www.kidswithfoodallergies.org. It is a great place for help!

If he has a true milk allergy, which is actually an allergy to casein in dairy products, then he must avoid any product that contains casein (all dairy & many processed foods). If he is lactose intolerant, then he may be able to consume dairy products that are low in lactose -- it just depends on how sensitive he is to it. For example, milk and ice cream contain large amounts of lactose, where butter & hard cheeses are relatively low in lactose.

You are wise to do a little more research on this. If he has been diagnosed with a casein allergy -- your doctor may have his facts confused.

My son too is allergic to milk. He is about on the 3.5 scale. He has been allergic since he was a baby. I have been giving him soy milk since he was 3 months old and I (not his doctor) realized that he was allergic to milk. Sometimes I can give him things that he likes, like green beans with a little bit of butter for taste, and it doesn't affect him too much. Sometimes he can eat something like a handful of cheese crackers (accidentally given to him by someone babysitting) and he swells up, gets hives allover and turns red. I would say that you should be okay to give him what the doctor says is fine. Just because when you are allergy tested and they give you shots once a week. The shots-all that is are small doses of the allergens so that your immune system will get used to it. Just be sure to keep Benadryl on hand at all times. I feel so sorry for my son. He can't have all the good junk food that kids love, cheetohs, ice cream, yogurt. Aagghhh!!!

i don't think so


i'm allergic to raisins, oranges, tyneol, and grass

Cheese and yogurt have bacterias naturally in them that will probably not harm your son, which means those are the things you can feed him. Things like cottage cheese or curdled cheese is one thing you can give him.. The other milk products that your doctor spoke of was because they have fertalizers and possible pestisizeds (sp) in them which can worsen his lactose intolerance. He is not completely allergic to milk products only midway.. that's why it's on a 1-4 scale... If he was on the 4 side it would be stay away from all milk products. Just keep an eye on your son for problems with him digesting the milk products you do give him.

The main signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance is flatulance, diarreah, stomach pains, and other things. It won't kill him to have a little bit just don't go over board.. anymore than a slice of cheese or a cup of yogurt won't hurt him.. and the bacteria naturally in those foods can help with digesting other things.. Hope this helps :D

You really need to read this, go to www.bodyecology.com
Your children both would benefit from this, as would your whole family. I had allergies for years but I don't suffer any more because of this eating plan. It restores the microflora in your body and boosts the immune system, lowering the inflammatory responses like allergies.

I wish you and your family the best.

no use medisions
if u wont give milk the child will not get protens
so go on with the milk..

My daughter is allergic to all milk products, and chocolate. She has been since she was born and she is eight now. We need to read everything carefully to make sure that she has no milk products at all. None of the following ingredients either that are made from parts of milk: Whey, casien, lactose, lactobumin, lactic acid, anything else that starts with lact-, cream, butter, and all other milk products. I don't understand why the doctor would say that she can eat cheese and yogurt if she is allergic. If she was intollerent that would be okay, but not for an allergy! We keep a lot of Benadryl in my house in case she gets a reaction to something...as well as take an Epipen everywhere. Sometimes even watching the labels she gets reactions, which include hives, a rash, and asthma symptoms. I sware that milk hides in foods. She drinks either soy or rice milk. She likes the Silk Chocolate Soy Milk the best....(It does not really have chocolate in it....only Cocoa). She also likes the Market Basket, and Stop-and-Shop brands as well. The soy milk does not taste so bad....and it is filled with protein that is good for the heart as well.

yes