What are the symptoms of dairy allergy?
Dairy allergies can cause either immediate or delayed hypersensitivity reactions. Immediate hypersensitivity symptoms appear within minutes of ingesting milk or milk-containing foods, while a delayed hypersensitivity reaction kicks in 6-24 hours after eating the food, peaks at 48 hours, and subsides 72-96 hours later. Symptoms manifest on the skin, in the digestive system, or in the respiratory system. On the skin, manifestations include itchy red rashes, hives, eczema, allergic “shiners” (dark circles under the eyes caused by increased blood flow near the sinuses), and swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, face, and throat. In the digestive system, particularly in our stomach and intestines, abdominal pain and bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (which is usually very runny), cramps, and gas are likely symptoms. In the respiratory system, the allergy can hit our nose, throat, or lungs with symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, watery or itchy eyes, wheezing, shortne
