Though it affects only a small percentage of babies, cow's milk protein is the most common cause of allergic reaction in infants. It is often the source of excessive gas and fussiness. The protein is passed through breast milk, but there is no need to stop breastfeeding if the allergy develops. Nursing mothers should, however, be aware of the problem and possible solutions.
Features
An allergy to the proteins, or antibodies, in cow's milk is the most common allergy in infants, but it is still not very common, affecting only 2 to 3 percent of babies. According to Denver's The Children's Hospital, a milk allergy is the result of the baby's immune system mistakenly viewing the milk protein as dangerous. The allergy is less common in breastfed babies than those who are formula fed. The underlying cause is not fully understood, though in some cases it may be genetic. Most, but not all, children will outgrow the allergy by 3 to 5 years of age.
Symptoms
Symptoms of an allergy to cow's milk protein include colic, fussiness, eczema, wheezing, gagging, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, hives and skin rashes. Pediatrician Alan Greene states on his website that cow's milk allergy is the most common reason for blood in a baby's stool and for inflammation of the bowels. According to The Children's Hospital, symptoms may appear immediately after ingesting the milk protein, but in most cases may take seven to 10 days.
Diagnosis
If a baby develops these symptoms, the physician will probably first conduct allergy and stool tests to rule out other causes. The nursing mother will then need to eliminate dairy from her diet for at least seven days. If the problems clear up, dairy can be reintroduced to see if symptoms reoccur. Other dietary experimentation may still be necessary as, according to The Children's Hospital, an allergy to soy, peanuts or eggs can also cause the same symptoms.
Solution
Once a cow's milk protein allergy is diagnosed in a breastfed baby, the solution may vary. If the allergy is mild, a small amount of milk products may be manageable, according to Kellymom, while for a severe allergy, total abstinence is required. It is still vital for the nursing mother to get adequate calcium, however, so talk to a doctor about the best sources for your situation, Some substitutes, including soy and other animal milk, may also cause an allergic reaction.
Misconceptions
Cow's milk protein allergy is often confused with lactose intolerance. They are not the same. Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose, the sugar in dairy products. A physician will likely test for it, but it is extremely uncommon for an infant to suffer lactose intolerance, which generally develops in older children and adults. Switching to lactose-free products will not help a milk protein allergy.
Member Comments