Cow milk allergy

An immune reaction to proteins found in cow's milk

Cow milk allergy
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Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Hives, wheezing, vomiting, diarrhea
Complications	N/A
Onset	Infancy
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Immune reaction to milk proteins
Risks	Family history of allergies
Diagnosis	Skin prick test, Blood test
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Avoidance of cow's milk, antihistamines, epinephrine
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Common in infants and young children
Deaths	N/A

Cow milk allergy (CMA) is a common food allergy in infants and young children, characterized by an abnormal immune response to one or more proteins found in cow's milk. It is one of the most prevalent food allergies in early childhood, affecting approximately 2-3% of children under the age of three.

Pathophysiology

Cow milk allergy is an IgE-mediated allergy, which means that the immune system produces immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in response to milk proteins. The two main proteins in cow's milk that can trigger an allergic reaction are casein and whey. When a person with CMA consumes cow's milk, their immune system mistakenly identifies these proteins as harmful, leading to the release of histamines and other chemicals that cause allergic symptoms.

Symptoms

Symptoms of cow milk allergy can vary from mild to severe and may include:

• Hives
• Wheezing
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Anaphylaxis (in severe cases)

Symptoms typically appear within minutes to a few hours after consuming cow's milk or milk-containing products.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cow milk allergy involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. Common tests include:

• Skin prick test: A small amount of milk protein is introduced into the skin to check for an allergic reaction.
• Blood test: Measures the level of IgE antibodies to milk proteins.
• Oral food challenge: Conducted under medical supervision, this test involves consuming small amounts of milk to observe for reactions.

Management

The primary treatment for cow milk allergy is the complete avoidance of cow's milk and milk-containing products. This includes reading food labels carefully to avoid hidden sources of milk proteins. In cases of accidental exposure, antihistamines may be used to relieve mild symptoms, while epinephrine is required for severe reactions such as anaphylaxis.

Prognosis

Many children outgrow cow milk allergy by the age of 3-5 years, although some may continue to have the allergy into adulthood. Regular follow-up with an allergist is recommended to monitor the allergy and assess the potential for tolerance development.

Also see

• Food allergy
• Lactose intolerance
• Anaphylaxis
• Allergen

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