Intolerance Vs Allergy: Whats The Difference
Milk protein allergy is the most common food allergy in infants.
But tummy troubles dont necessarily mean your baby has an allergy it could be an intolerance . Thats a common misunderstanding, Dr. Goldman says.
Sensitivity to dairy or soy. This is much more common than an actual allergy to milk and is what Dr. Goldman says she sees most often in her practice. Parents bring in an infant that is irritable and spitting up a lot, and they may see little flecks of blood in the stool.
This is frightening for new parents,but Dr. Goldman says you can easily resolve it by switching to a dairy- orsoy-free formula and avoiding dairy and soy yourself, if you are breastfeeding
Soy protein is similar to cow milk protein and often prompts a similar reaction in children who have this sensitivity, she says.
Milk protein allergy. An actual allergic reaction to milk protein is much less common. During an allergic reaction, an infants immune system sees milk proteins as a foreign material. It creates antibodies against the offending proteins, triggering the release of chemicals such as histamine.
With this cycle going on, your babyis likely irritable and may seem inconsolable. Symptoms may include:
- Vomiting or excessive spit ups
- Blood in the stool
- In severe cases, anaphylaxis, an emergency requiring immediate medical attention and a shot of epinephrine
Cows Milk Allergy In Babies
Cows milk allergy , also called cows milk protein allergy, is one of the most common childhood food allergies. It is estimated to affect around 7% of babies under 1, though most children grow out of it by the age of 5.
CMA typically develops when cows milk is first introduced into your babys diet either in formula or when your baby starts eating solids.
More rarely, it can affect babies who are exclusively breastfed because of cows milk from the mothers diet passing to the baby through breast milk.
There are 2 main types of CMA:
- immediate CMA where symptoms typically begin within minutes of having cows milk
- delayed CMA where symptoms typically begin several hours, or even days, after having cows milk
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Will My Infant Need Any Treatment
If cowsâ milk allergy is diagnosed, cows’ milk protein will need to be eliminated from your child’s diet.
For breastfeeding moms, that means you canât have any dairy in your own diet. Cut out milk, butter, cheese, yogurt and ice cream, plus prepared foods that use dairy, like a lot of baked goods. Goatsâ and sheepsâ milk have similar proteins to cowsâ milk, so those products are off-limits too. Dairy can hide in processed foods under different chemical names, so check labels for:
- Milk solids or milk sugar solids
- Whey syrup sweetener
Itâs hard to get enough calcium and vitamin D when you donât eat dairy. Talk to your doctor about adding other calcium-rich foods to your diet, or taking a supplement.
If youâre bottle feeding, your doctor can recommend an allergy-free formula:
Extensively hydrolyzed formulas : About 90% of infants with a cows’ milk protein allergy can tolerate extensively hydrolyzed formulas. Although these are based on cows’ milk, so the nutrient content is the same as normal infant formulas, they have been extensively broken down into tiny parts so that the child’s immune system is less likely to recognize the protein.
Amino acid formulas : If your child has trouble with a hydrolyzed formula, or has severe symptoms — such as severe skin or gastrointestinal symptoms or has had an episode of anaphylaxis — an amino acid formula may be recommended.
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Treatments For Milk Allergy
Once your child is confirmed to have a milk allergy, the first step in treatment is avoiding milk and dairy products.
Your childs doctor can give you detailed information on how to read food labels to help you identify and avoid milk protein.
No matter how careful you are, there may be times when your child accidentally ingests milk protein and has a reaction. When that happens, you can treat the symptoms with antihistamines or epinephrine.
If more than one body system is involved in the allergic reaction for example the throat and skin it is recommended to use epinephrine. Epinephrine comes in a variety of forms, including auto-injectors such as Epi-Pen, Auvi-Q and other generic forms.
If your childs reaction is mild and only involves a few hives, an over-the-counter or prescription strength antihistamine can ease their symptoms. Your childs doctor can help you decide which option is best for your child in each circumstance.
Children with milk allergies should carry epinephrine with them, or it should be readily available at places where they routinely spend time, such as school, daycare and home.
What Should I Do
Ask the healthcare team! The ideal way they confirm the symptoms of a cow milk allergy is to:
- Remove cow milk from the diet, and
- Re-introduce cow milk, often under a doctors supervision.
Many doctors wont go past step 1 if signs improve. However, step 2 is the best way to confirm a food allergy. If you add cow milk back to the diet and symptoms reappear, CMA can be diagnosed.
Babies allergic with symptoms of a cow milk allergy who require formula need one thats hypoallergenic, like Neocate® Syneo® Infant. Neocate is safe for babies with food allergies because it contains amino acids, building blocks of protein. Amino acids cant trigger an allergic reaction the way proteins or peptides in other formulas can.
If you suspect CMA, ask your childs doctor for a thorough evaluation. Bring this information with you and ask your doctor if your baby might benefit from Neocate. For more on CMA, check out the following resources:
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Lactose Intolerance In Babies
Lactose is the primary sugar in cow’s milk and other dairy products. When someone is lactose intolerant, it means their body can’t produce enough lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose. As a result, the undigested lactose stays in the intestine and causes gastrointestinal problems. These problems tend to be uncomfortable but not dangerous.
Some lactose-intolerant people can have a little bit of dairy without symptoms. Others will have symptoms and be uncomfortable every time they have food containing even a small amount of lactose. There are different levels of lactose in different dairy products, so even if someone with lactose intolerance can’t drink milk, they might be able to have some yogurt or cheese.
Lactose intolerance is common in older children and adults, especially among certain ethnic and racial groups. Experts estimate about 36 percent of people in the United States have lactose malabsorption, which causes lactose intolerance. Asian Americans, African Americans, Hispanic people, Jewish people, and Native Americans are much more likely to be lactose intolerant than people of northern European descent.
Lactose intolerance is rare in babies. That’s because almost all infants are born with lactase in their intestines, which allows them to digest their mother’s breast milk. Lactose intolerance in kids is more common, and it usually doesn’t show up until age 3 or older.
Occasionally, babies have lactose intolerance for one of these reasons:
What Foods To Avoid If Baby Has Milk Allergy
Be sure to avoid foods that contain any of the following ingredients:
- Artificial butter flavor.
- Changes in behavior.
How do you treat a milk rash on a baby?
Milia tends to clear up on their own within a few weeks, once the pores open up. No treatment is usually necessary. Avoid using creams and ointments on the babys skin, as these can further clog the pores and lead to more milia.
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Symptoms Of Dairy Allergy In Breastfed Babies
The most common symptoms of a cow’s milk allergy in a breastfed baby are stomach-related and may include bloody stool. Signs and symptoms of dairy allergy in breastfed babies may include the following:
- Swelling of the lips and face
The proteins in cow’s milk can cause gas in a baby’s stomach and intestines, which can lead to pain, vomiting, or diarrhea. A food allergy could also cause reflux, symptoms of colic, a rash or hives, swelling, a runny nose, wheezing, and bloody poop. If your child is in pain or has any of these symptoms, call the doctor. These symptoms can also be caused by a variety of other concerns, making it imperative to get a correct diagnosis.
When speaking with your healthcare provider, be as detailed as possible when you’re describing what’s going on with your baby. Keeping a food diary with the timing of symptoms can be helpful. The more information the doctor has , the easier it will be to narrow down the cause of your baby’s discomfort.
If Your Baby Becomes Gassy And Irritable After Nursing He Might Be Allergic To The Dairy In Your Diet Here’s What You Need To Know About Cow’s Milk Allergies In Breastfeeding Babies
Sometimes babies get gassy and irritable. But if these symptoms often appear after feedings, he might have a negative reaction to something youre eating. Most moms are able to eat anything they like during breastfeeding and experience no issues, says Molly Petersen, Certified Lactation Counselor at Lansinoh. But occasionally tiny food particles might leak into your babys bloodstream through nursing, and his immune system might overreact to these unfamiliar invaders, according to La Leche League International.
While plenty of foods can cause baby allergies, one of the most common culprits is cows milk. Thats because the protein molecules in dairy can trigger sensitivity. Heres how to handle diagnose and treat a milk allergy in infants.
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Testing And Diagnosis Of Milk Allergy
If you suspect your child is allergic to milk, clinicians at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia will take a detailed medical history of your child, including information on prior food reactions. Based on your childs history and findings, our clinicians may order one or more of the following tests:
Breastfeeding: The First And Best Defence Against Allergies
In those first few months of life, breast milk is tailor-made for your baby, and designed to build and support your babys immune system so theyre less likely to develop allergies in the future.
Having said that, exclusive breastfeeding isnt always possible for many mums. But theres no need to worry as there are formulas designed to help reduce the risk of your baby developing an allergy though they do need to be used from the first formula feed.
The best thing to do if you have any concerns about allergies is to speak to your GP or health visitor wholl be able to discuss the best options and choices available to you and your baby.
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Signs And Symptoms Of Cmpa
Cows milk protein allergy , also known as cows milk allergy , is a common food allergy . While most babies with CMPA experience digestive problems , skin problems , respiratory symptoms and other more general allergy symptoms can also occur. With such a wide range of symptoms, recognizing CMPA can be a challenge. It is particularly difficult when symptoms are similar to the expected behavior of your baby or when they overlap with other common problems . It is also important to note that not all symptoms will occur immediately after feeding some may be delayed by up to 2 days or even a week.We understand that the symptoms can be distressing, particularly at this time when you are getting to know your baby. CMPA can be easily managed with the correct diet, so getting an early diagnosis is very important. If you suspect your baby may be allergic to cows milk protein, your doctor will guide you through the steps to a final diagnosis.
In the first instance, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor.With this website, we want to provide support so you are prepared for the appointment with your doctor, and we hope to answer questions you may have related to the diagnosis and the appropriate management of CMPA .
CMPA presents with multiple and diverse symptoms
92% of infants and young children with CMPA have 2 or more symptoms impacting at least 2 organ systems
CMPA appears during infancyYou should keep breastfeeding even if your baby has CMPAhealthcare professional
Q: If My Babys Lactose Intolerant And Im Breastfeeding Will It Help If I Quit Eating Lactose Or Will I Still Have To Switch To A Dairy
A: Taking dairy or lactose out of your diet will not reduce the lactose in your breast milk. Breast milk naturally contains lactose.
Depending on the type of lactose intolerance your baby has, you may have to switch to a lactose-free formula. Some lactose intolerance is a short-term situation and will resolve over time. Congenital lactose intolerance will not go away and your child will have to remain lactose free for their whole life.
Please make all changes to your babys diet with the assistance of your healthcare provider.
Carissa Stephens, RN
Answers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
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Cows Milk Allergy Is Uncommon
According to a special communication published in JAMA Pediatrics, while 14% of babies are reported to have cows milk allergy, only about 1% actually do have it.
As for the diet restrictions for breastfeeding mothers, the authors report that those are likely not necessary, even if there is an IgE-mediated allergy. So many mothers are putting their nutrition at risk, or stopping breastfeeding, for no good reason.
Its also worrisome that in 81% of the published guidelines on cows milk allergy, the authors of the guidelines reported a conflict of interest with formula manufacturers. This does not mean that the guidelines arent good or accurate, but its troubling that the formula manufacturers are supporting so much of the research.
If your baby has been diagnosed with cows milk allergy, and you have changed your babys diet or your own, dont stop these changes without talking to your childs doctor. But definitely talk to the doctor, and be sure that you understand exactly why your baby has the diagnosis and whether any further evaluation makes sense.
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About the Author
Claire McCarthy, MD, Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing
How Long Do Milk Spots Last On Newborns
About 40% to 50% of U.S. newborns have milia. Adults can get milia too. Treatment isnt necessary because milia are harmless and go away on their own. The condition usually only lasts a few weeks.
How do I know if formula isnt agreeing with baby?
How do you know if baby is not tolerating formula?
What are the signs of formula intolerance?
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Cows Milk Allergy Management
If your doctor suspects cows milk allergy, they may suggest eliminating cows milk protein from your babys diet. This isnt as daunting as it might sound.
- For Breastfed Babies Breastfed babies can be exposed to cows milk protein fragments passed in breast milk when their mothers eat dairy products. Breast milk still provides the best nutrition for your baby, so you shouldnt stop nursing. You should not remove dairy foods from your diet without speaking to your doctor.
- For Formula-Fed BabiesSwitching to a formula that is hypoallergenic may help. The majority of babies with cows milk allergy feel better after a switch to an extensively hydrolyzed, hypoallergenic formula like Nutramigen. In fact, some cows milk allergy symptoms like colic may stop within 48 hours* after a formula change. Talk to your doctor to see if this is the option for you.
As your baby gets older, your doctor may suggest you start reintroducing your child to foods made with cows milk. This should always be done carefully and under a doctors supervision. More than 75 percent of children outgrow cows milk allergy by the time they are five years old. So, you may not be facing a lifetime of saying no to your childs pleas for ice cream and mac and cheese. In the meantime, there are other ways you can manage CMA and the symptoms associated.
Milk Allergy Or Milk Intolerance
Babies can either be allergic or intolerant to milk. Because some of the symptoms are similar, it can be difficult to diagnose. Not to mention confusing!
A milk allergy involves an immune reaction to one or more of the proteins present in milk, whereas an intolerance does not involve the immune system.
An intolerance is caused by an inability to deal with certain substances in milk, such as lactose. Lactose intolerance occurs when you don’t produce any or enough of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose. Undigested lactose causes uncomfortable symptoms like diarrhoea, bloating and wind.Watch our video to understand the difference between allergy and intolerance, and how to recognise their symptoms.
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Milk Allergy Vs Lactose Intolerance
While many people use the terms milk allergy and lactose intolerance interchangeably, they are actually two different conditions. A milk allergy is an immune system response to the protein in milk, while lactose intolerance is a digestive system deficiency when it comes to processing milk sugar . Since lactose intolerance is a digestive issue, its symptoms are most commonly associated with the gastrointestinal system and can include nausea, cramps, gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
How Long Does A Milk Allergy Take To Show Up In Newborn
The symptoms usually occur within 20 to 30 minutes of consuming the protein, but they can appear up to 2 hours later.
What does a milk rash on a baby look like?
Symptoms of miliaIn newborns, milia look like white lumps or small clear blisters. They come up mostly on the nose and cheeks, but they can appear anywhere on the face. The blisters can break easily and can leave a scaly lump. Milia are usually less than 1 mm across, but they can measure up to 3 mm.
What does a rash from a milk allergy look like?
Symptoms that can appear within minutes of having a small amount of milk include: raised red bumps of skin hives itchy, red, weeping or crusty rash of the skin dermatitis or eczema.
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