What are the symptoms of cow’s milk allergy, what are the signs in babies and how common is dairy intolerance?
COWS' milk is the most common source of food allergy in babies and young kids and, in the worst cases, the reaction can be fatal.
Here's how to spot the signs your child is reacting to milk products, according to the.
What is a milk allergy?
Reaction to dairy products, known as cows' milk protein allergy (CMA), affects between two and 7.5 per cent of kids under the age of one.
As a parent, you will probably spot the signs when you first introduce milk into your child's diet - which could be through their baby formula.
In rare cases, babies who are exclusively breastfed can also develop the allergy - because of cow's milk from their mother's diet.
There are two types of reaction - immediate CMA, which happens within minutes of having milk products, and delayed CMA, which takes hours or even days to develop.
Most affected kids grow out of their dairy allergy by the age of five.
What are the symptoms of milk allergy in babies?
- Skin reactions: including red itchy rashes or swelling of the face, lips and around the eyes
- Digestive problems: such as tummy ache, vomiting, colic, diarrhoea or constipation
- Hayfever-like symptoms: such as a runny or blocked nose, and watery eyes
- Eczema: if it doesn't improve with treatment
- Coughing or wheezing
An immediate reaction, swelling in the mouth or throat, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and difficult or noisy breathing could all be signs of anaphylaxis.
Anaphylactic shock is a medical emergency - and can be fatal. Call 999 or go immediately to your local A&E department.
How is milk allergy treated?
If your child is diagnosed with CMA, they will be referred to a GP, allergy specialist or dietitian to discuss how to manage the allergy.
Treatment involves cutting out all dairy products from your child's diet.
Your GP can prescribe a special infant formula if needed, while breastfeeding mums should also avoid all dairy.
Your child will be assessed every six months to a year, to see if they have grown out of their allergy.
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How is dairy allergy different to lactose intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is a non-allergic reaction to dairy products, caused by the body not being able to digest the natural sugar found in milk.
It can be temporarily caused by bad tummy bugs, or a more permanent problem.
Symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pains and passing wind.
Children with lactose intolerance can sometimes have dairy products in moderation. Speak to a medical professional for advice.