Can you suddenly have an allergic reaction to cow’s milk?

Yes, it is possible to suddenly develop a cow’s milk allergy later in life. Although cow’s milk allergy is most common in babies and young children, it can also occur in adults. This happens when the immune system suddenly begins to view milk proteins as a threat, which triggers an allergic reaction.

How can a cow’s milk allergy develop suddenly?

A cow’s milk allergy occurs when the immune system incorrectly categorises milk proteins such as casein and whey as harmful. When the body comes into contact with these proteins, it produces antibodies, which leads to an allergic reaction.

The sudden onset of a cow’s milk allergy can have various causes:

• Changes in the immune system: In advanced age, changes in the immune system can lead to allergic reactions to substances that were previously not a problem.
• Reduced exposure to dairy products: Some people develop allergies if they have consumed little or no dairy products over a long period of time, as their immune system is no longer used to the milk proteins.
• Genetic predisposition: An allergy can develop later in life, especially if there is a family history of food allergies or other allergies such as hay fever or asthma.
• Impaired intestinal health: A damaged intestinal wall or an imbalance of intestinal bacteria can increase the risk of food allergies. This can be caused, for example, by taking long-term medication, stress or infections.

What are the symptoms of a sudden cow’s milk allergy?

The symptoms of a cow’s milk allergy that develops later in life can range from mild to severe. The most common symptoms are

• Skin rash, eczema or itching
• Digestive problems such as diarrhoea, stomach cramps or nausea.
• Shortness of breath, wheezing or coughing
• Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat
• Anaphylaxis (in rare cases), a severe allergic reaction that requires immediate medical treatment.

How can you tell if you suddenly suffer from a cow’s milk allergy?

If you have symptoms after consuming dairy products, an allergy test can be successful. There are various test methods:

• Blood test: Measurement of IgE antibodies against milk protein in the blood. This measurement can be carried out in the laboratory or with the help of a reliable home test.
• Skin test: A small amount of milk protein is applied to the skin to see if an allergic reaction occurs.
• Elimination provocation test: Avoidance of dairy products for a certain period of time, then controlled reintroduction to see if the symptoms reappear.

A self-test can give a first quick indication, but if the result is positive, it is advisable to consult a doctor for a further diagnosis.

What to do in the event of a sudden cow’s milk allergy?

If you suddenly develop a cow’s milk allergy, it is important to avoid milk and dairy products. This means that you need to check food labels carefully, as milk protein is hidden in many products.

A doctor or dietitian can help you develop a balanced dairy-free diet to avoid deficiencies in nutrients such as calcium and vitamin B12.

Conclusion

It is possible that you may suddenly develop a cow’s milk allergy later in life. This may be due to changes in the immune system, reduced contact with dairy products or other factors. Symptoms can range from skin reactions to digestive and respiratory problems. An allergy test may be successful, after which a dietary adjustment is required to prevent the symptoms. If in doubt, it is always better to consult a doctor.