Potential Dairy Allergy?/Recurrent Ear Infections

[momtoemma]

Does anyone here know if there is a strong connection between frequent ear infections and an allergy to dairy? My 7 month old daughter has been having trouble with ear infections for the past 6 weeks or so, and it has been suggested to me by a friend that dairy (formula) could be causing the trouble. While I have been resisting this idea, I was wondering if any of you have experience with this? She has been on Enfamil with Lipil since she was born (well 3 weeks of b’fing and supplementing) and hasn’t really had many problems with it. I’m not sure what other symptoms babies with milk allergies have??? Research I've done so far seems to indicate that only a small percentage of babies truly have a milk allergy.

Her problem with ear infections started about 2 weeks after we started her in daycare, so I have always felt that they are more related to that than to an allergy. The doctor said the infections she is picking up at daycare are just more resistant to antibiotics because they’ve been around and been shared by so many kids. So, I guess I’m trying to find out if there are other things I could look to in determining if she may have an allergy. Would it be hard on her to try switching her to a soy formula and how long would I need to try it out to see if she was improving? I guess I’m just tired of seeing my baby suffer and pull at her ears constantly when the medicines aren’t working, and I’d really rather not have tubes put in. That is definitely my last resort.

Thanks,
Stephanie

[Rachels]

I've heard that there is a link, and my own experience is that there is a link, although the daycare thing sounds plausible, too. It won't hurt her to try soy formula. You have to give it a full two weeks for the dairy proteins to clear her system. Hope she feels better!!!

-Rachel
Mom to Abigail Rose
5/18/02

[egoldber]

If your baby has been formula fed that long, I doubt it is from the formula. Unfortunately, babies in child care situations can really get sick a lot more often. And if your baby is new to the child care environment, it will take her awhile to get used to all the new array of germs.

Here's some general info about food allergies and intolerances: http://www.allergic-reactions.com/consumer/2_1.cfm?site=Overture+placement=KW+cat=food+kw=dai ry_allergies

Personally, I would only switch formulas if you need to. Switching formulas can cause some babies to become very uncomfortable. If your ped doesn't think that's it, then I wouldn't put her through that. And many babies that are allergic to dairy are ALSO allergic to soy. This page: http://www.askdrsears.com/html/0/T000100.asp has a lot of really good info about formulas that I would read before switching.

And here's some info on Ear infections: http://www.askdrsears.com/html/8/T081600.asp

HTH,