Cow's Milk Protein Allergy (2)

Question 1

What are its 2 types?

Who is it more common in?

Answer 1

➊ • IgE mediated - Rapid reaction to cow’s milk within 2 hrs of ingestion
• Non-IgE mediated – Slower reaction over several

➋ Formula-fed babies

Question 2

How does it present?

What is used for its diagnosis?

Answer 2

➊ • Become apparent when babies are weaned from breast to formula milk
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating and wind
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• General allergy symptoms – Urticarial rash, Angioedema, Cough/wheeze, Sneezing, Watering eyes

➋ Full hx and examination

Question 3

How is it managed?

Answer 3

Avoid cow’s milk (should fully resolve symptoms):
• Breast feeding mothers should avoid dairy products
• Replace formula with special hydrolysed formulas designed for this allergy – The cow’s milk in this formula has its protein broken down so it doesn’t trigger an immune reaction