Cows Milk Protein Allergy Signs and Symptoms

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The signs and symptoms linked with CMPA, ranging from colic and reflux to constipation, diarrhea and crying, make diagnosis a real challenge. Every case of CMPA is also unique, so it helps to be aware of all the possible symptoms to look out for.

There are three main categories of symptoms*, including skin, digestive and respiratory and also a fourth category of more general signs*. These signs or symptoms can appear immediately, i.e., within minutes up to two hours of ingesting cow’s milk, or after several hours or days, depending on the nature of the reaction.

If you think your baby is suffering from the signs and symptoms of CMPA or other food allergies, it is important that you set up an appointment with your healthcare professional and prepare for your visit. Diagnosis of CMPA should always be made by a healthcare professional.

Breastfeed to start

For approximately the first six months of your baby’s life exclusive breastfeeding is recommended.

If for any reason you no longer breastfeed your baby and your baby has been diagnosed with cow’s milk protein allergy, you will be directed by your pediatrician to use a special hypoallergenic formula.

Introducing Solid Food

The key to starting your baby on solid food, at around 6 months of age, is to introduce one food at a time.

In this way if there is an allergic reaction, it’s easier to find out which food is responsible.

Introduce New Meals Carefully

As you start introducing solid food, the midday meal should be introduced first, followed by the evening meal and finally the afternoon meal.

On the first day, give your baby one to three spoonfuls of purée, increasing the amount every day, until at the end of the week you are giving your child a whole portion.

Cooked Foods are Easiest to Digest

Although raw food is healthy, it is better to feed your infant cooked or steamed fruit and vegetables at first. Heated food is usually easier to digest.

As a rule of thumb, fruit and vegetables that your child tolerates well when cooked can be introduced in their raw state after a few weeks.

ALFARÉ® and ALFAMINO® are Infant Formula Products for Special Dietary Use. Products are not suitable for general use. ALFAMINO® Junior is a food for special medical purposes specifically formulated for children with severe allergy and/or food intolerances. Products must be used under medical supervision.

Breast milk is best for baby and provides ideal nutrition. Good maternal nutrition is important for preparation and maintenance of breastfeeding. Introducing partial bottle feeding could negatively affect breastfeeding and reversing a decision not to breastfeed is difficult. Professional advice should be followed on infant feeding. Infant formula should be prepared and used exactly as directed or it could pose a health hazard. The preparation requirements and cost of providing infant formula until 12 months of age should be considered before making a decision to formula feed.

Mothers should be encouraged to continue breastfeeding even when their infants have cow’s milk protein allergy. If a decision to use an infant formula for special dietary use is taken, it must be used under medical supervision.