Once a child is suspected with cow’s milk allergy, a doctor should be consulted to discuss any concerns. The doctor will assess the symptoms that might be triggered by cow’s milk allergy or something else. It is vital to get medical advice before eliminating cow’s milk from the diet since it contains several vital nutrients.
Close look on cow’s milk allergy among infants
Cow’s milk allergy is one of the common childhood food allergies. Some infants below the age of one year are usually affected but most are able to outgrow it by reaching 5 years old.
This allergy develops once cow’s milk is initially introduced into the diet of the infant either in formula or when starting to eat solids.
In rare instances, it can affect infants who are exclusively breastfed since cow’s milk from the diet of the mother is passed to the infant via breast milk.
Main types of cow’s milk allergy
- Immediate – the symptoms usually start within minutes of ingestion
- Delayed – the symptoms start several hours or even days after ingestion
What are the indications?
Cow’s milk allergy is capable of triggering a variety of symptoms such as the following:
- Skin reactions – red itchy rash or swelling of the face, lips and around the eyes
- Digestive issues – vomiting, stomach pain, colic, constipation or diarrhea
- Eczema that does not improve even with treatment
- Symptoms similar to hay fever such as a blocked or runny nose
In some instances, the allergy can trigger severe allergic reactions that can occur abruptly such as wheezing, swollen mouth or throat, cough, shortness of breath, noisy breathing and difficulty breathing. This is considered as a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
Management
Once an infant is diagnosed with cow’s milk allergy, the doctor will provide instructions on how to manage the allergy.
The treatment involves eliminating cow’s milk from the diet for a period of time. In case the child is formula-fed, the doctor will prescribe a specialized infant formula.
The child is not given any other form of milk without seeking medical care. In case the child is exclusively breastfed, the mother is instructed to avoid all products that contain cow’s milk.
The child requires assessment every 6-12 months to check if he/she has grown out the allergy.