A person develops cow's milk protein allergy when his immune system mounts a response against harmless substances found in cow's milk, namely casein and whey. Casein is found in the curd, and whey is the liquid remains of milk after it curdles. Cow's milk protein allergy can surface at any age, but it occurs most commonly among infants and young children. All dairy products--cheese, cream, ice cream, yogurt, margarine--and certain foods with milk ingredients, such as cookies, cakes, most pastries--contain cow's milk protein, and therefore may trigger allergic reactions.
Origin
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, or AAAAI, about 2.5 percent of infants are allergic to cow's milk. This and other foods get passed onto the child through the breastfeeding mother or through infant formulas, and in older children, through cow's milk. Most children outgrow the allergy by age 3 to 5, although around 15 percent carry it into adulthood.
Symptoms
The initial symptoms of cow's milk allergy include red bumps called hives and vomiting or wheezing immediately after consuming milk or other dairy products. Abdominal pain, diarrhea, loose stool, wheezing, coughing and runny nose, and itchy rashes are other signs and symptoms that may occur a few hours to a few days afterward, notes MayoClinic.com. People with severe allergies to cow's milk protein may also experience a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis, which involves all several symptoms occurring much sooner and with much more severity.
Risk Factors
According to the MayoClinic.com, children with a parent or sibling with allergies are more likely to develop allergies than those who don't have a family history. Children with eczema or atopic dermatitis or allergies to other foods have a higher risk of developing cow's milk allergy.
Diagnosis
Your physician or allergist may recommend several tests before a complete diagnosis of cow's milk protein allergy is made, according to KidsHealth from Nemours. Some of the tests include a blood test for the presence of allergens in the blood, or a skin prick test to determine the amount of allergen under the baby's skin. Redness or swelling on the spot of the skin prick may indicate an allergy.
Prevention
Completely eliminating cow's milk and other dairy products from the diet is the best defense against the allergy. For babies, the pediatrician may advise the mother to prolong breastfeeding up to six months, and to carefully monitor and avoid consuming allergy-causing or -suspected food from her diet if she is breastfeeding. Switching from cow's milk infant formula to a hydrolyzed version may reduce the signs and symptoms of milk allergy. Soy milk, goat's milk and sheep's milk are not suitable substitutes for cow's milk, notes the AAAAI, as these sources of milk may also cause a reaction for people with cow's milk allergy.
Treatment
According to KidsHealth, those with cow's milk allergies must carry with them a shot of adrenaline known as epinephrine, in case of severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, which requires emergency medical attention. Over-the-counter antihistamines can also alleviate milder symptoms of allergy such as itchiness, hives or nasal symptoms.
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