Milk Allergy Statistics:
A milk allergy is a food allergy, an adverse immune reaction to one or more of the constituents of milk from any animal (most commonly alpha S1-casein, a protein in cow's milk). Allergy to cow’s milk is the most common food allergy in infants and young children. Studies in several countries around the world show a prevalence of milk allergy in children in the first year of life of around 2% to 5%.
Milk Allergy Symptoms
Symptoms may include hives (urticaria), eczema, face swelling, vomiting, diarrhoea, noisy breathing or wheeze. Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) may cause floppiness in babies. Several hours after having moderate amounts of cow's milk. Symptoms can include vomiting and diarrhoea and sometimes blotchy rashes or worsening eczema. After a day or up to several days after having normal amounts of cow's milk. Symptoms can include eczema, vomiting, diarrhoea or asthma.
Milk Allergy Management and Treatment
It is recommended that formula-fed infants who are allergic to milk use an extensively hydrolyzed, casein-based formula. This type of formula contains protein that has been extensively broken down so it is different than milk protein and not as likely to cause an allergic reaction. Examples of casein-hydrolysate formulas are Alimentum and Nutramigen. If the child is not allergic to soy, his or her doctor may recommend a soy-based formula.