Symptoms of a milk allergy in children

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Dr. Nguyen Van Dinh - Head of Respiratory - Asthma - Allergy - Clinical Immunology Unit, Vinmec Times City International Hospital. Uncle has more than 10 years of experience in the field of Allergy - Clinical Immunology, has been trained well in the country and many centers have the world's leading medical background. Her strengths are in the treatment of diseases related to allergies, immunity and asthma.
Milk allergy has different manifestations at different times and depends on the location of the baby. Some cases only have mild symptoms and affect a few parts of the body such as hives on the skin, sore throat.

1. What is a milk allergy?

Allergies are the body's immune system's defensive response to a foreign object (in this case, proteins in milk). This means that when children drink milk, their immune system will mistake the proteins for harmful foreign antibodies and start working against them, causing milk allergy in babies. Similarly, the baby's body will find it difficult to absorb the proteins in formula milk, accompanied by allergic reactions, so the child may become depressed and lack nutrition. Depending on the signs of an allergy to formula milk, we determine the severity of the reaction. Often children who are allergic to the proteins in cow's milk will also react to the proteins in sheep's and goat's milk.

2. Causes of milk allergy

It is estimated that 10 - 30% of infants from birth to 1 year of age are allergic to formula. From the age of 1 year, the infant allergy to formula milk will gradually decrease, and by the age of 3 years, up to 75% of children will no longer have a milk allergy. However, there are still some cases where children will have a lifelong milk allergy.
Until now, scientists have not been able to find the exact reason why babies are allergic to formula. However, many medical studies show that babies with formula allergies can be inherited from parents. If the mother or father was allergic to formula as a child, there is a 50-80% chance that the child will also inherit the same symptoms.
In addition, the appearance of allergic diseases also depends on the location, living environment and daily diet of the child. The manifestations of milk allergy in children are often a combination of many symptoms and these symptoms will increase if the child continues to be given the allergen milk.

3. Manifestations of milk allergy in children

Usually, milk allergy symptoms in babies will appear within the first week after the baby drinks milk. Breastfed babies are less likely to develop allergies than formula-fed babies. However, babies who drink breast milk can also have allergies if the mother's diet at that time contains ingredients from milk.
Some children may develop a milk allergy immediately after drinking it, and in others, a few hours or days later. Signs of a baby formula allergy include:
Your baby has breathing problems: Your baby may have wheezing, difficulty breathing, a hoarse cough, and phlegm in the nose and throat, these may be signs of the reaction with milk proteins. Colic, Diarrhea: Diarrhea, loose stools are common in newborns but if they are frequent (about 2 to 4 times a day for more than a week) and/or there is blood in the diaper then That is a sign that your baby is allergic to formula. Skin rash (urticaria): Pay attention when your child has a red rash or skin rash such as eczema (eczema), hives, itching or swelling around the face. Nausea, vomiting milk: Newborns often spit up a small amount of milk when they eat, but if they spit up outside of mealtimes, parents should take them to see a doctor. Reflux symptoms, represented by vomiting and difficulty swallowing, may be indicative of an allergic disease. Irritability, fussiness: If the baby suddenly cries for a long time, the crying does not stop, it may be due to colic due to an allergy to protein in formula. Milk allergy has different manifestations at different times and depends on the location of the baby. Some cases only have mild symptoms and affect a few parts of the body such as hives on the skin, sore throat. However, in severe cases, children may experience anaphylaxis with signs: Convulsions, severe abdominal pain, cyanosis, body or limbs soften, coma, unconsciousness... These are possible signs. life-threatening, parents need to take the child to see a doctor immediately for timely treatment.

4. How to handle when your child has a milk allergy?

If unfortunately the baby has a strong reaction to formula milk, which is mainly due to the baby's hypersensitivity, the best way to limit this situation is to breastfeed the baby exclusively during the period. head.
In the absence of breast milk, formula milk can be given to the baby, but it is important to pay attention to feed the baby little by little to see if the baby is allergic to that type of milk. If it is safe, parents can gradually increase the amount of milk in the next time.
Note: Children who are allergic to cow's milk are more likely to be allergic to other foods (goat's milk, soy milk...). Therefore, during the baby's weaning period, parents should pay more attention to this issue, need to see an Allergist specialist for advice on a suitable diet for the child.
In addition, parents can also take their children to be screened for allergies by taking skin tests and blood tests. Failure to detect milk allergy in children can affect their physical development and long-term health.

Choose the right milk to help your baby avoid allergies If unfortunately your child is allergic to powdered milk derived from cow's milk, parents can consider some types of formula using new technology: Milk is hydrolyzed with protein (protein) partially or completely to fit the body of young children.
Partially hydrolyzed milk: There is the word HA on the product packaging, which has the ability to reduce allergies in children. Whole protein hydrolysed milk: In which milk proteins have been broken down into smaller parts that are easier to digest and less likely to cause allergies, Amino Acid Formula: Milk that contains proteins in a simpler form because amino acids are the basic building blocks of proteins. This is recommended if your baby still shows signs of an allergic reaction after consuming protein-treated milk. For babies with severe formula allergies, even to the ones listed above, you can try plant-based formulas such as soy-based, rice milk or other formulas. other cereals. However, plant-based milks will not provide enough nutrients for babies. Therefore, for children who are allergic to formula milk, parents should start introducing solid foods early, and when the child is over 3 years old, they can return to using formula milk after consulting a specialist. About Allergies.
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