Milk Allergy?

Question

Does a milk allergy cause constipation? My son who just turned one has chronic constipation. He eats great (prunes, green veggies) and drinks both juice and water daily. His pediatrition just prescribed him Myrilax (on it for two days hasn't helped yet). I am allergic to milk and am wondering if this could be the cause of his constipation. His doc says he is too young to be tested for allergies and if this medicine doesn't work than he will refer him to a pediactric gastro doctor.

Answer 1

must be lactose intolerant

Answer 2

Milk allergy doesn't USUALLY cause constipation, it usually causes diarrhea. Same with lactose intolerance (usually). However, the protein in cow's milk in large amounts can be constipating for some kids when they make the switch. Try limitting his milk intake to 16 ounces per day, and give him maybe 8 ounces of apple, pear, or prune juice daily in addition to the Miralax that he was prescribed. With time the constipation will most likely get better. Miralax takes a minimum of 24-48 hours to start working so don't give up yet!

It is difficult to do allergy testing on a one year old because some maternal antibodies remain in the body for up to 18 months, which throws off the test. But usually the constipation that results from the changeover to whole milk will go away with time. But try the above suggestions in the interim. Good Luck!

Answer 3

Yes, a milk allergy *can* cause constipation in some babies. However, you don't have to have allergy testing. Just stop giving it to him!! Then you'll know. It *cannot* be lactose intolerance. A baby can't be lactose intolerance--it normally develops in young adulthood, but *never* before age 3 or 4. And if you son is allergic to cow's milk, he should *not* get dairy formula, either; it is *made* from cow's milk!

To know for sure, eliminate all dairy from his diet for at least a couple of weeks. Be careful to read package labels and look for "hidden dairy"--whey, casein, or any ingredient with "lact" in it. (It's used in the oddest places, including some tuna and some hot dogs, so be careful.) Stay away from sheep and goat milk products, too, at first, so that you can know for sure if he is allergic (some allergic people can have milk from other animals, but not all, so play it safe).

Answer 4

Why not try a milk free or lactose free diet for a month before taking him to the gastro? My daughter is two and allergic to milk and still constipated and having pain (being off milk). Before I knew she was allergic to milk she had tubes in her ears for ear infections then finally her adenoids removed then her allergy(which I know now-but didn't know then) showed up as a rash from her the back or her neck down and into her diaper area(she had consumed buttermilk).I had to drag her to an ultrasound which showed nothing and now I have to see the gastro again-he put her on Omeprazole for stomach acid. I don't know what else to exclude from her diet but the medicine seems to be working. I'm babbling now...good luck with your boy!

Answer 5

A milk allergy will cause constipation in a baby. Have you tried various types of formulas? There are several on the market that are gentle on the stomach - I would suggest those.
Also, to help relieve the constipation I found what worked best with my three kids is when you feed them the juice from a can of peaches - works like a charge and they like it.

Answer 6

There is lactose free milk on the market today. You could try that. My daughter is also one had the opposite problem. I think I may have introduced milk too early. I started buying the Stage 2 Good Start Formula for babies aged 9-24 months. I gave her that instead of milk and am in the process of weaning her back to whole milk by slowly adding more milk to the formula. The #2 formula is expensive, but it is easier on my baby's stomach and intestines and I knew she was getting all the nutrition she needed. It might be worth a shot. Whatever you try, I hope the best for you and your son.

Answer 7

My children were both allergic to milk. It showed up before they were 6 months old. They had stomach cramps and gas. Try giving your son soy milk. That's what I used and it worked fine. The brand at that time was Mull-Soy. Your pediatrician should be very familiar with milk allergies because they are common. I would get a second opinion before I subjected a baby to a lot of tests.

Answer 8

My son was also allergic to milk. Although my son had chronic cold symptoms, emotional reactions and diarrhea, my doctor did inform me that he could have either bowel disorder. So, in my layman's opinion and based on my prior pediatrician's advice, I would say that it indeed could cause constipation. We all react differently to allergies.

I would suggest, though, that you try removing certain foods from his diet one by one and test his reaction. It may not just be milk by itself. It could be another food product. Some children do not handle fruit juices well. Although it says that the juices are 100% fruit juice, many times they have additives that may cause these symptoms. Definitely, contiue to give him PLENTY of water, pure bottled water, not tap water. Tap water contains flouride (very bad) and chlorine (also very bad). Pure water is one of the best helps.

I hope that some of this is helpful. God bless you and I pray for his healing. I know how stressful it is to have a child with health issues.

Peg

Answer 9

Well I just saw Milk Allergy ? asked by another ID I can not remember the name I would say look on there's and see if it helps I do not remember what name it was and even if it was a real one or not just set up RIGHT QUICK LOOKING FOR A CERTAIN PERSON TO ANSWER OR NOT but I'm sorry I wish I knew. HM but i say just give a little time and see and ask doc again. Keep him posted

Answer 10

My niece has the same problem too. Have your heard of GOAT MILK? You can get them from infant to toddler. Now her digestive system and everything is so so good. Has not fall sick since taking it. Not only does it cure constupation but strong and healthy. You can find out a lot of good stuffs regarding GOAT MILK from the website. Try to STOP cow milk since your son is allergy to it.

Answer 11

Yes, lactose intolerance can cause constipation, but I'm not a doctor, u shul'd talk to one of those guys to find out.