The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy

ASCIA EDUCATION RESOURCES (AER) TOPIC OF THE MONTH - JULY 2002

Asthma and allergic rhinitis ('hay fever') are normally triggered by substances that we inhale, such as pollen, dust mite, mould spores or animal danders. In most people, unless they are confirmed to be allergic to milk or other foods, diet restrictions are of little benefit in asthma or hay fever, and distracts efforts away from more productive areas such as allergen avoidance. Recent studies have shown that milk has no effect on lung capacity, and does not trigger symptoms in patients with asthma any more than placebo. Furthermore, cutting out important food such as dairy products can adversely affect nutrition, as they are an important source of calcium and other minerals needed for strong teeth and growing bones.

Milk, mucus and cough

Everyone has mucus. However, too much mucus can make noses run or drip down the back of the throat, leading to 'post-nasal drip'. Excessive mucus is usually caused by infections or allergy. It can trigger cough, sore throats and husky voice. Air conditioning, winter heating, dehydration and some medications can aggravate the condition.

Some people complain that when they have dairy products, their mucus is thicker, which makes their nose run, coats their throat and triggers coughing. However, recent research has shown that these feelings are due to the texture of the fluid, occur with similar liquids of the same "thickness" and are not due to increased production of mucus. When they do occur, symptoms are generally short-lived.
When people complain of cough after having cold milk, it is usually due to breathing in cool air as they drink, and usually disappears if they warm the milk first.

Symptoms of cow's milk allergy are very different.

Dairy products rarely trigger asthma or hay fever. When they do, symptoms in the nose are usually accompanied by obvious symptoms of allergy, such as severe hives, vomiting, diarrhoea, swelling of the face, throat or tongue or a drop in blood pressure ("shock"). Although most children out-grow cow's milk allergy by the age of four years, some retain the allergy for life.

In babies with cow's milk allergy, hydrolysed formula can be used, when breastfeeding isn't possible and if soy formula is poorly tolerated. This is cow's milk-based formula that has been processed to break down most of the proteins which cause symptoms.

Any dietary restrictions or modifications should be discussed and supervised by your doctor, and if necessary with the help of a dietician.

Further reading

Milk, Mucus and Cough - http://www.allergy.org.au/content/view/142/144/
Adverse reactions to milk - http://www.allergy.org.au/aer/infobulletins/hp_allergy_milk.htm
Allergy prevention in children - http://www.allergy.org.au/aer/infobulletins/allergy_prevention.htm

Media inquiries: Jill Smith, ASCIA Executive Officer 
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The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) is the peak professional body of Clinical Allergists and Immunologists in Australia and New Zealand.

ASCIA Education Resources (AER) information bulletins have been peer reviewed by ASCIA members and represent the available published literature at the time of review. The information is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
Any questions regarding a medical diagnosis or treatment should be directed to a medical practitioner.