How to Diagnose Milk Protein Intolerance
- 1). Keep notes about the reactions your child has after drinking milk or eating a product that contains cow's milk. Symptoms of an intolerance to cow's milk proteins (CMP) vary from person to person. Some develop hives after drinking milk; others may experience a runny nose and wheezing. According to the Allergy Society of South Africa, common gastrointestinal symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea. Signs of a milk protein intolerance may appear within minutes or several hours after ingestion.
- 2). Institute an "elimination challenge" by first removing milk and milk products from your child's diet and then reintroducing them slowly to see if they cause a reaction.
- 3). Discuss your symptoms with your child's doctor and ask about having a skin prick test to confirm a milk allergy. According to the Mayo Clinic, this kind of test measures how the immune system responds when a potential allergen is introduced.
- 4). Ask for a blood test to help diagnose your child's milk protein intolerance. Antibodies in your blood called immunoglobin E will be measured to determine if you have an allergy or sensitivity to milk.
Source...