Piecing Together My Son's Milk Allergy

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By Diane P.

My son was 9 months old when we discovered his milk allergy. Johnny had always been on soy formula since he had vomited milk-based formula in the hospital and at home.

I was so excited -- when Johnny was 9 months old the doctor told me I could now try dairy with him -- things like yogurt and cheese. He had already mastered vegetables and fruits. My very good friend was visiting, and we were eating ice cream. Johnny looked at us with curiosity. My friend asked whether it was okay for him to have a lick of her ice cream.

I was so enthused. “Yes, the doctor said we can try dairy!"  So, she put a tiny dab on the tip of a spoon and gave it to him. His eyes were so excited. But it would be the first and last ice cream he would ever have. Suddenly, he got hives all over his face. We did not know why. I remember saying out loud, "It can’t be an allergy, his allergy is to peanuts and there are no peanuts in the ice cream and the amount was so small!"

We called the doctor, who did not have an answer at that time. About three days later, I gave Johnny a teething cookie. We took a few pictures of him enjoying it and making a mess. Suddenly, his face and lips began to swell. His eyes were bloodshot, and he had hives all over his face. I grabbed the box, read the ingredients and saw that buttermilk was a key ingredient.

Now, putting the two episodes together in my mind, I realized something much bigger was happening. I called the doctor who told me to give him an antihistamine. I also was wise enough to take a few photographs of his face and swelling so the doctor could see it for himself in the morning. Upon looking at the photos my doctor said, “Well, I would presume he is allergic to milk." He was shocked to see the photos. Soon after, follow-up tests confirmed what I had thought that he was indeed allergic to milk.

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