Some babies are allergic to cow's milk because their immune system mistakenly identifies proteins in cow's milk as harmful invaders.
Understanding Cow's Milk Allergy in Babies
Cow's milk allergy (CMA) is a common allergy in infants and young children. It happens when a baby's immune system overreacts to proteins found in cow's milk.
The Immune System's Role
- Normally, the immune system protects the body from harmful substances like bacteria and viruses.
- In babies with CMA, the immune system mistakenly identifies proteins in cow's milk as dangerous.
- This overreaction triggers an allergic response every time the baby consumes cow's milk. The reference information confirms that when a baby is allergic to milk, it means that their immune system, which normally fights infections, overreacts to proteins in cow's milk. Every time the baby has milk, the body thinks these proteins are harmful invaders and works hard to fight them.
What Happens During an Allergic Reaction?
When a baby with CMA consumes cow's milk, the immune system releases chemicals like histamine. These chemicals cause various symptoms, which can range from mild to severe.
Common Symptoms of Cow's Milk Allergy:
| Symptom Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Skin | Eczema, hives, rash, itching |
| Digestive | Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, reflux, bloody stools |
| Respiratory | Wheezing, coughing, runny nose |
| Other | Fussiness, irritability, poor growth |
Managing Cow's Milk Allergy
If a baby is diagnosed with CMA, the primary treatment is to eliminate cow's milk and cow's milk-containing products from their diet and, if breastfeeding, from the mother's diet. Alternatives to cow's milk include:
- Extensively hydrolyzed formulas: These formulas contain milk proteins that are broken down into smaller pieces, making them less likely to trigger an allergic reaction.
- Amino acid-based formulas: These formulas contain no milk proteins and are suitable for babies with severe CMA.
- Soy formulas: While some babies with CMA can tolerate soy formulas, others may also be allergic to soy.
- Other milk alternatives: Once the baby is old enough, alternatives like almond milk, rice milk, oat milk, and coconut milk can be introduced under the guidance of a healthcare professional. It is important to consider nutritional adequecy of these alternatives.
