Did you know that 30% to 40% of the world’s population is suffering from allergic diseases?
And the most prevalent food allergens globally include cheese and milk products.
Now that you have cheese allergies, you probably want to know what these allergens do to your body. This article will explain the common cheese allergens, the symptoms they cause, and the treatment options.
Key Takeaways
- Cheese allergies are caused by proteins casein and whey (same as in other dairy products) so dietary management is key.
- Symptoms can be mild to severe (hives and anaphylaxis) so make sure to tell the difference between cheese allergies and lactose intolerance.
- Management is about strict avoidance of dairy, being aware of hidden allergens in processed foods and having an emergency plan in place.
Allergens in Cheese
Cheese allergies are a protein allergy. They are caused by milk proteins like casein and whey. These proteins are also found in other dairy products.
So when you are allergic to cheese, you need to be careful about these foods.
We hear about nuts, seafood, and eggs as the most common protein-induced allergies, but we will be talking about milk protein allergens here. If you consume cheese or any other dairy products, you should be aware of these allergens.
Also, when you ignore them, you may experience severe, potentially life-threatening symptoms.
Here are a few things to remember:
- Awareness: Always check food labels to avoid hidden dairy allergens in processed foods.
- Milk Proteins: Casein and whey are the top allergens in cheese.
- Cross-Reactivity: These proteins are also found in other dairy products, so you are at higher risk of an allergic reaction.
Symptoms of Cheese Allergies
Cheese allergies can manifest in various ways, from mild reactions to life-threatening situations.
Skin reactions like hives can show up as itchy, swollen marks. Breathing difficulties, such as wheezing and shortness of breath, are also common.
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can occur after consuming cheese and requires immediate medical attention.
Other symptoms may include gastrointestinal issues like abdominal pain or bloody diarrhea, which can arise within minutes or hours after eating.
Key symptoms to watch for:
- Skin Reactions: Hives (itchy, swollen marks on the skin)
- Respiratory Symptoms: Wheezing and shortness of breath
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea
- Severe: Anaphylaxis—seek immediate medical help.
Moreover, It’s essential to differentiate between lactose intolerance and cheese allergies, as they trigger different issues.
Lactose intolerance leads to digestive problems due to difficulty digesting lactose, while cheese allergies provoke immune responses, causing respiratory and skin issues like hives.
Diagnosing Cheese Allergies
You should have a medical professional diagnose your cheese allergies. The process usually starts with a review of your eating habits and symptoms to identify potential triggers and narrow down the cause of the allergy.
Tests may be done to confirm a cheese allergy:
- Skin prick tests to see reactions to dairy allergens, looking for swelling or redness.
- Blood tests to check for specific antibodies related to dairy allergies.
- In some cases, an oral food challenge where you consume increasing amounts of cheese under medical supervision to confirm the allergy.
Consult a doctor throughout this process for accurate results and symptom management.
Managing Cheese Allergies
To manage cheese allergies, you need to avoid all dairy products as advised by your healthcare provider.
Remove all cheese and cheese-containing foods from your diet completely to prevent allergic reactions and stay healthy.
Here are some tips to help you manage cheese allergies:
Remove cheese and cheese-containing foods from your diet.
Check Food Labels: Hidden sources of dairy, like lactose and whey, can sneak into unexpected foods like certain margarine, breads, or flavored snacks. Always check those labels!
Some medications and supplements also contain lactose. Make sure to review their ingredients to avoid accidental exposure.
For those at risk of severe allergic reactions, having an epinephrine auto-injector can be a lifesaver. A personalized action plan for anaphylaxis from your healthcare provider will help you be ready for any emergency.
Follow these tips to manage your cheese allergy.
Alternative Foods for Cheese Allergy Sufferers
For cheese allergy sufferers, there are plenty of yummy alternatives. Cheeses made from tree nuts like cashew and almond are great substitutes that can be used in many recipes without triggering an allergy.
Just be careful if you have a tree nut allergy.
Here are some:
- Nut-Based Cheeses: Cashew and almond for those without tree nut allergies.
- Soy-derived products: tofu and tempeh for non-nut options.
- Nutritional Yeast: Adds cheese flavor to many dishes.
- Coconut-Based Cheeses: Unique textures and flavors.
- Vegetable-Based Cheeses: Made from carrots and potatoes for creative dairy-free options.
Try these to have a varied and satisfying eating experience without the common allergens in regular cheese.
Lactose Intolerance vs. Cheese Allergy
First off, let’s clear up the difference between lactose intolerance and a cheese allergy.
A cheese allergy is an immune reaction to milk proteins, casein and whey, which your body thinks are bad for you. Isn’t that scary?
Lactose intolerance is a different thing. It’s when your body can’t digest lactose, the sugar in milk, and you get gas, bloating, and diarrhea. But this doesn’t trigger an immune response.
Also a recent study published in November 2023 investigated the prevalence of food allergy in children and adults in different countries.
China: 8.71% in children; 8.14% in adults.
Canada: 7.35% in children; 5.36% in adults.
United States: 4.32% in children; 6.3% in adults.
United Kingdom: 4.27% in children; 4.63% in adults.
Germany: 2.35% in children; 2.4% in adults
Processed Foods
Now, let’s talk about processed foods. They often have dairy in them that can be a problem for people with cheese allergies.
By the way, reading food labels is important to find allergens. The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act requires major allergens to be listed on food products.
But even with those regulations, many processed foods still have hidden dairy ingredients.
So be careful when buying packaged foods and always check the ingredient list for allergens.
Proper Diagnosis and Medical Supervision
If you think you have a cheese allergy, you should see a healthcare professional. To diagnose this food allergy, methods like reviewing your medical history, skin prick tests, blood tests, and elimination diets are used.
According to Stanford Medicine, in the United States, families with children with food allergies pay an average of $24.8 billion per year. The average cost per child is $4,184.
In fact, by eliminating cheese and then reintroducing it in a controlled environment, you can test if you have an allergic reaction.
It’s also good to have an emergency plan in place and to educate those around you on how they can help if needed.
Bottom Line
In the end, knowing the common allergens in cheese, recognizing the symptoms of an allergic reaction, and getting a proper diagnosis and management plan are the steps to navigate a cheese allergy.
This way you’ll get the care and guidance to manage your condition well.
