Cows milk allergy / intolerance
Cow's milk allergy in children: Summary
- Cow's milk allergy is a reproducible immune-mediated allergic response to one or more proteins in cow's milk. It can be classified according to the underlying immune mechanism:
- Immunoglobulin (Ig)E-mediated food allergy produces immediate symptoms, which may affect multiple organ systems, typically up to 2 hours after cow's milk ingestion.
- Non-IgE-mediated food allergy reactions usually manifest between 2 and 72 hours after cow's milk ingestion.
- Mixed IgE and non-IgE allergic reactions are typically delayed.
- Cow's milk allergy is one of the most common presentations of food allergy seen in early childhood. Almost all cases present before one year of age.
cows milk intolerance vs allergy
Types of cow’s milk allergy
Diagnosing a cow’s milk allergy / intolerance
Symptoms of cow’s milk allergy
There are two types of cow’s milk allergy depending on how the immune system reacts.
- IgE-mediated food allergy is caused by the immunoglobulin E antibody (called IgE). Symptoms are ‘immediate’ (quick to appear) and can occur within minutes of consuming cow’s milk or up to two hours afterwards.
- Non-IgE mediated food allergy is the most commo
There are two types of cow’s milk allergy depending on how the immune system reacts.
- IgE-mediated food allergy is caused by the immunoglobulin E antibody (called IgE). Symptoms are ‘immediate’ (quick to appear) and can occur within minutes of consuming cow’s milk or up to two hours afterwards.
- Non-IgE mediated food allergy is the most common type of cow’s milk allergy and symptoms are ‘delayed’ (slow to appear) and are caused by a different part of the immune system reacting in a different way. The symptoms typically develop from two hours after consumption but can take up to 72 hours.
Symptoms of cow’s milk allergy
Diagnosing a cow’s milk allergy / intolerance
Symptoms of cow’s milk allergy
Common symptoms of cow’s milk allergy include:
- Skin reactions such as hives, eczema, redness, or itching.
- Gastrointestinal issues include vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, or discomfort.
- Respiratory symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.
- General discomfort can display as fussiness, irritability, and refusal to feed.
Diagnosing a cow’s milk allergy / intolerance
Diagnosing a cow’s milk allergy / intolerance
Diagnosing a cow’s milk allergy / intolerance
Allergy focussed history
If Acute symptoms suggestive of Cows milk allergy - Specific IGE testing and or skin prick testing
If symptoms suggestive of cows milk intolerance - Elimination diets / challenge
NICE guideline for assessment and management of milk intolerance and milk allergy in children ( link below )
Symptoms and signs of IGE and NOn IGE Mediated Cows milk allergy
