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Do you know that up to 7.5% of babies are allergic to cow's milk?
What is cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA)?
Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) is the most common food allergy in children.
A milk allergy usually starts when a child is given formula and has an allergic
reaction to the protein of cow's milk. Approximately 3% of children are allergic to milk.
1 A minority of them will outgrow the allergy within the first 3 years of life.
Some children develop tolerance during adolescence. However, some of them will retain allergy for life.
How do I know if my child is allergic to cow's milk?
Cow's milk protein allergy shows up in a variety of forms. The signs can come on suddenly or over a period of hours to days after ingesting the milk. A child can experience one or more of these symptoms:
Type 1: Early Reaction
•
Appears 45 minutes after milk ingestion
•
Colic, diarrhea, vomiting, skin rash, eczema, occasionally wheezing or sneezing
Type 2: Intermediate Reaction
•
Appears 45 minutes to 20 hours after milk ingestion
•
Vomiting and diarrhea
Type 3: Late Reaction
•
Appears after 24 hours of milk ingestion
•
Diarrhea, vomiting, wheezing and coughing
These symptoms may also occur with many other illnesses, so it is always best to check with your doctor to confirm or rule out milk allergy as a possible cause.
What causes CMPA?
1.
Family history of allergy
If either parent is allergic to cow's milk, your child will tend to have an increased risk of developing cow's milk protein allergy.
2.
Shorter duration of exclusive breastfeeding
3.
Early exposure to cow's milk
What to do if your child is allergic to cow's milk
•
Cow's milk-based formulas need to be totally eliminated and substituted with an appropriate formula.
•
Soy-based formulas have been used to feed children with cow's milk allergy since 1929.2
•
Soy-based formulas have been used increasingly as an alternative for children with adverse reaction to cow's milk.2
•
Majority of children allergic to cow's milk can tolerate soy-based formulas very well.
•
Soy-based formula can provide appropriate nutrients to support growth and development.2
•
Lactose-free formulas do have milk protein, so avoid them.
CMPA vs. lactose intolerance
How to recognize the differences between CMPA and lactose intolerance.
CMPA
Lactose Intolerance
•
A reaction of the immune system to cow's milk protein
•
Inability to break down the milk sugar, lactose
•
Affects the digestive system as well as other systems in the body
•
Affects digestive system only
•
Can be life-threatening
•
Non-life-threatening
Sometimes, cow's milk protein allergy symptoms are mild and cause only minor discomfort. But often, mild allergies can develop into more serious ones, endangering a person's health.
If your child displays any symptoms of cow's milk protein allergy, seek medical advice at once.
All information given here is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnosis and treatment, please consult a doctor.
References/Adapted from:
1.
Host A. Frequency of cow's milk allergy in childhood. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2002, 89 (Suppl):33-7
2.
Cantani A & Lucenti P. Natural history of soy allergy and/or intolerance in children, and clinical use of soy-protein formulas. Pediatric Allergy and Immunology 1997, 8, 59-74.
