Children with cow's milk allergy may show signs that parents should recognize so they can respond appropriately. These signs include a tendency to develop rashes or redness on the skin, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, vomiting, and fatigue.
The most important step in managing cow's milk allergy is to have a doctor confirm the diagnosis, then avoid cow's milk and products made from it as advised. For formula-fed babies, doctors often recommend formula for cow's milk protein allergy, such as extensively hydrolysed formula or amino acid formula. Breastfed babies should continue breastfeeding, although mothers may need to remove cow's milk from their own diets on their doctor's advice.
What Are the 5 Signs of Cow's Milk Allergy in Children?
Symptoms of cow's milk allergy vary depending on the severity of the allergy. However, certain signs can help parents recognize that their child may have it. Here are five signs to watch for.
1. Cow's Milk Allergy Rash
Skin rashes can occur in children with cow's milk allergy when their skin reacts to substances found in cow's milk. These rashes often have the features described, such as redness, swelling, and itching. The torso, arms, legs, and face are common areas affected.
Managing a cow's milk allergy rash generally involves avoiding the allergen: cow's milk and products made from it. Children with cow's milk allergy should avoid consuming cow's milk, and parents should pay close attention to food labels and ingredient lists for foods containing it.
2. Respiratory Symptoms
Respiratory symptoms in children with cow's milk allergy can be serious and require immediate medical attention or treatment. Difficulty breathing may result from swelling of the throat or dilation of the airways in response to the allergen. Symptoms can become life-threatening. If your child has difficulty breathing, wheezes, develops swollen lips or a swollen tongue, becomes unusually drowsy, or feels cold and looks pale after drinking milk, call 1669 or go to the hospital immediately.
3. Discomfort
Children who feel uncomfortable may lose interest in activities they previously enjoyed or may not want to play with friends. In babies, signs may include unusually excessive crying or fussiness after feeding, writhing as though they have abdominal pain, or difficulty sleeping. These symptoms can have many causes, so a doctor should assess them.
4. Bloating and Diarrhea
Children may feel bloated or nauseous. Very young children may be unable to describe these feelings, but you may notice them crying in discomfort. They may have diarrhea, with frequent loose stools containing mucus or blood. Some may vomit or spit up frequently. If you notice mucus and blood in their stools or they are not gaining weight, consult a doctor.
5. Changes in Eating Behavior
Children may show reluctance to eat foods containing cow's milk or dairy products, such as milk, cheese, or yogurt. They may become upset or refuse foods containing cow's milk, with changes in their mood toward food when it is being prepared or eaten.
Responding to Signs of Cow's Milk Allergy
Children with cow's milk allergy show signs of their allergy, and responding to these signs is an important way for parents to help prevent further reactions. The good news is that most children outgrow cow's milk allergy. A doctor will assess when they can have cow's milk again.
Dietary Changes
Changing the diet is one way to help reduce cow's milk allergy symptoms. Parents should switch to foods and milk that contain no cow's milk protein, following their doctor's advice. For babies under 1 year old, their main milk feed should be breast milk or formula prescribed for cow's milk protein allergy only. Ordinary soy drinks, mung bean drinks, corn milk, or other plant-based drinks should not replace their main milk feed because they do not provide enough nutrients for growth. Soy infant formula should only be used under medical supervision. (Source: NHS) Learn more about how to choose baby formula.
For Breastfed Babies
Breastfed babies can continue breastfeeding, but cow's milk proteins from the mother's diet may pass into breast milk. A doctor may recommend temporarily avoiding cow's milk and dairy products and taking a calcium supplement. Do not stop breastfeeding without consulting a doctor. (Read more: foods to avoid while breastfeeding)
Medication and Treatment
Medication and treatment can help reduce cow's milk allergy symptoms. Parents should consult a doctor for advice on which medicines to use and how to use them correctly.
Changes to Daily Care
Alongside dietary changes, parents should inform babysitters, teachers, and household members that their child has cow's milk allergy. Be careful about cross-contamination from utensils or snacks containing milk, and record symptoms whenever you suspect your child has consumed cow's milk so you can discuss them with a doctor.
Knowing how to respond to signs of cow's milk allergy is important for preventing further reactions. Dietary changes, medication and treatment, and adjustments to daily care can help reduce symptoms. However, parents should consult a doctor before taking any action to avoid putting their child at risk of nutritional deficiencies.
As well as knowing how to manage the allergy, parents should ask a doctor to recommend milk suited to their child's age and symptoms.
Precautions When Caring for a Child with Cow's Milk Allergy
Parents need to respond promptly and carefully to cow's milk allergy to prevent acute allergic reactions that may threaten their child's life. When caring for a child with cow's milk allergy, pay attention to the following precautions:
- Avoid giving children foods or drinks containing cow's milk, such as fresh cow's milk, iced milk drinks, cheese, and ice cream, especially foods or drinks containing large amounts of cow's milk.
- Check product labels before buying food or drinks, particularly products containing cow's milk, to prevent children from consuming ingredients that could put their lives at risk.
- Contact a doctor or healthcare professional for advice on choosing suitable foods and drinks for a child with cow's milk allergy.
- Replace nutrients, especially protein and calcium, with doctor-recommended formula and age-appropriate foods free from cow's milk, such as fish, eggs (if the child is not allergic), leafy green vegetables, and tofu, following a doctor's or dietitian's advice.
- Some children with cow's milk allergy may also be allergic to other foods, such as soy, eggs, or peanuts. Introduce new foods one at a time and watch for symptoms, following the advice of HealthyChildren.org (AAP).
Caring for a child with cow's milk allergy requires care and attention. Avoid foods and drinks containing cow's milk, and have a doctor monitor your child's growth regularly.
If you notice any of the symptoms described here, take your child to a doctor for a diagnosis and timely care to help keep them safe. Alongside this article to support you in parenting with confidence, we have gathered more parenting tips. Explore them here.