Milk allergy is considered to be the most common in kids, experts say

A recent study showed that milk allergy is the comment food allergy in children under the age of five. However, most parents are unprepared.

It is widely believed peanut allergy is the most common in children, but this is a misconception, as more than 2% of all US children younger than five have a milk allergy.

The research was carried out by the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology back in November, with Dr. Christopher Warren leading the team.

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When left unchecked and undiagnosed, milk allergies could be life-threatening. During an allergy attack, the airways will block, and a child could have trouble breathing.

RESEARCH FINDINGS

The study, based on the input from more than 53,000 parents across the United States, parents often mistake milk intolerance with a milk allergy.

It is therefore vital that food allergies of any kind be confirmed by a specialist, for the parents and child to understand the condition.

Failure to do so could result in unnecessary and increased food costs, insufficient nutrition intake and the loss of quality of life. Dr. Ruchi Gupta, a researcher, added:

"Parents need to make sure they have an epinephrine auto-injector [epipen] available and should talk to their child's allergist if they have any questions."

MILK ALLERGY SYMPTOMS

While it may manifest differently from person to person, parents should be on the lookout for telltale signs that manifest soon after a child ingested milk.

These could include, but are not limited to, hives, wheezing, tingling feeling or swelling around the lips, as well as shortness of breath or vomiting.

If a child consistently suffers from abdominal cramps, runny nose or watery eyes after drinking milk, it may point to a milk allergy as well.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MILK ALLERY AND LACTOSE INTOLERANCE

Milk allergy directly affects the immune system, whereas lactose intolerance does not. Symptoms of milk intolerance or lactose intolerance include bloating or diarrhea.

When left unchecked and undiagnosed, milk allergies could be life-threatening. During an allergy attack, the airways will block, and a child could have trouble breathing.

It is advised to consult a medical professional as soon as possible if you suspect your child may have a milk allergy.

Children who have milk allergies may also be suspected of other health concerns, such as additional allergies food, as was the case with 15-year-old Alexi Ryann Stafford from Weston Florida.

The teenager, who had a peanut allergy, mistook packets of Chips Ahoy for a safe brand called Chewy's. She passed away with 90 minutes.

Chips Ahoy contains Reese Peanut chips, but because the packet didn't have a visible warning, Stafford paid with her life.