Contents
The idea of cheese pizza, a cheese burger or a Swiss cheese fondue lets most of our mouths water. But some people have to avoid all this food because they are allergic to cheese. But even though
cheese allergy
is one of the most common types of allergies, it is still much unknown. But what is the trigger and what are the symptoms?
Let us look at the various reasons
Especially as a parent, it is important to know the symptoms because 2 to 5 % of kids under the age of one get affected by this allergy. That is a high percentage but no wonder as this dairy product contains several allergens, which come mostly from the ingredients. So all people who have lactose intolerance won’t be able to eat cheese as proteins found in all the dairy products are the reasons. Casein is probably the main trigger but whey also has two proteins which can set off an allergic reaction.
Also, the bacteria and fungus induced by conversion of milk constituents can be the problem or the allergens of the inoculated fungus.
Other people are sensitive to a chemical called tyramine which is contained in fermented food. For example, you can find this chemical in Romano or American cheese.
If the cheese allergy is not because of milk contained in cheese, mould – mostly contained in aged cheeses like gorgonzola – is mostly the major trigger.
But what is an allergic reaction?
An allergic reaction is nothing but the body’s reaction when it recognizes the proteins, mould or chemicals found in cheese as a harmful substance, which causes the allergic symptoms because the body tries to fight with antibodies (by releasing chemical histamines) in order to defend it.
Allergy Symptoms
Upset stomach
Feeling sick, vomiting or getting diarrhea are the most common symptoms within two hours after eating cheese products as an allergy sufferer.
If it is severe bloating or abdominal pain, contact a doctor immediately.
Skin rashes
If you get skin rashes after eating a cheese product, it could be a
cheese allergy
. If so, you can get severe skin reactions, mostly red and itchy hives across your body.
You have eczema if you get itchy skin patches across your body which are thickened and dry.
It is not only unpleasant because of the itchy red skin, it can also cause an infection when you scratch the skin. So it is important that you visit a doctor to get the right treatment.
Breathing difficulties
Cheese allergy sufferers can get breathing problems after consuming cheese. A swelling of the tongue or throat is mostly the reason since they lead to breathing difficulties.
An asthma attack could get triggered if the person is asthmatic in addition to this allergy.
Anaphylactic Shock
This is the worst form of the symptoms and requires immediate emergency medical care. The symptoms of this shock get noticeable within minutes after cheese consumption. It is mostly a severe head swelling, especially around the mouth and throat.
Also, nausea, severe breathing difficulties, rashes, increased heart rate up to loss of consciousness can be symptoms.
Treatment
First of all, allergy sufferers should avoid the triggers. If it is just the lactose intolerance, there are soy products to avoid an upset stomach.
People who are allergic to the contained mould, tyramine or other ingredients might have to avoid just certain kind of cheese sorts. The most compatible are supposed to be Cottage cheese and Ricotta.
If the triggers of the
cheese allergy
are not clear, a doctor can make medical tests to figure them out.
If it comes to symptoms, antihistamines, corticosteroids and inhalers can help. Also, natural remedies like homeopathic nasal sprays can be a good treatment.
But as with all the allergies, a visit to the doctor is highly recommended to exclude other causes.
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