Cow's Milk Protein Allergy

A type of milk allergy in infants, the cow's milk protein allergy is simply known as cow's milk allergy. By the time children reach 2-3 years of age, they become resistant to the allergy. However, most of the young children face this problem. Both the breast-fed and formula-fed children may suffer from this allergy. In case of breast-fed children, the intake of cow's milk by mothers leads to the transfer of the protein to the child. The breast-fed children though, are less susceptible to the problem. In some cases, the children are just sensitized to the allergy during breast-feeding and later develop the allergy when they actually consume cow's milk.

Symptoms

The infants suffering from the cow's milk protein allergy, exhibit symptoms such as eczema or skin rashes, vomiting, abdominal pains or diarrhea. A serious allergic reaction shown by the allergic infants is known as anaphylaxis. The symptoms of anaphylaxis, are the swelling of the tongue and mouth which leads to a difficulty in breathing. Other signs such as severe vomiting, itchy rashes, hives or flushing are seen during an anaphylactic reaction. Anaphylaxis, if neglected, can become fatal.

Confirmation of the Allergy

It is necessary to confirm whether the infant is affected by the cow's milk protein allergy or some other disease. This is because, few of the symptoms of the allergy such as vomiting, skin rashes and diarrhea, are common among many health problems.

Treatment

The treatment for breast-fed children includes restricting the intake of dairy products for child as well as the mother. A healthy and dairy-free diet is recommended for the baby. Some children are fed with milk-formula based diets. Doctors recommend a hydrolysate or soy-based formula for such children.

There are chances that the child develops a severe allergy towards milk. In such cases, medications, in addition to the mentioned diet, should be given to children. The medications however, are to be used only if the child consumes milk-based products accidentally.

The milk products should not be given to babies for the first 12-18 months. Doctors conduct a check-up every 6 months to see whether the child has developed the allergy. Only after the confirmation of the absence of the allergy, it is safe to start the milk diet for the child. Milk should not be introduced in the diet unless the allergy tests are conducted. Anaphylaxis reactions should never be neglected.

The main cause of cow's milk protein allergy, as the name suggests, is the protein present in the milk. Thus, milk products should also be excluded from the diet. The list of the various milk products is given below.

• Any type of food that contains cow's milk such as dried, skimmed, evaporated, solid or condensed milk.
• 'Lactaid' a milk-based product should not be given. It is recommended for people who exhibit intolerance to lactose; however, it still contains the protein responsible for the allergy.
• Various milk products such as yogurt, cheese, ice-cream, butter and margarine, should not be given to the child. Few margarins too contain milk as an ingredient, so it is necessary to avoid them.
• Many of the frozen soy-products available in the market contain milk. Thus, one should be careful before buying food products for children.
• The premixed cereals too contain milk in the powdered form.

Any health problem related to children should be carefully monitored. The fact that children cannot speak out and explain each and every problem and symptom, makes it necessary for the parents to remain vigilant. Cow's milk protein allergy is a short-term health problem, and the parents should take due care till the child outgrows the allergy.