Prognosis
The prognosis for a cow’s milk allergy is good. Mostly it is only a temporary problem. In contrast to other allergies, there is a high probability that it will grow with age.
Even those who still suffer from a milk protein allergy as a baby have a good chance of being able to eat milk products again as a school child. It is important to carry out regular exposure tests under medical supervision from the age of two. An allergy to cow’s milk usually develops in infancy or childhood.
During this time the immune system is not yet fully developed and reacts with an excessive reaction to the proteins in the milk. The symptoms are therefore particularly severe during this time. If a cow’s milk allergy is then diagnosed, it is important that the diet is consistently changed to milk protein-free foods.
Then the symptoms will also improve quickly. With increasing age, the immune system also develops further. Therefore, the good news for all those affected is that up to 90% of children can tolerate milk and dairy products again by school age. Regular exposure tests should be carried out under medical supervision.
Milk allergy: Special features of babies
Mainly babies are affected by milk protein allergy. Unlike adults, however, the main component of their diet is usually milk. Breast milk is still considered the best nutrition for the baby.And indeed, babies who come into early contact with other milk have a higher risk of developing an allergy to cow’s milk.
However, breastfed babies can also develop an allergy to cow’s milk. The babies come into contact with cow’s milk protein through the mother’s diet. So the baby is not allergic to breast milk.
The mother can certainly continue breastfeeding. However, she must then consistently avoid milk and dairy products in her diet. As a result, the symptoms of the baby usually improve very quickly.
Otherwise, it is also possible to switch to a special milk protein-free formula diet. This special diet is prescribed by the doctor. It is well tolerated and provides the baby with all the essential nutrients.
A milk allergy is clearly different in babies than in adults and is not always easy to detect. Skin problems, gastrointestinal complaints and respiratory problems can occur. Every child has different signs of milk allergy.
Most children develop a tolerance to milk protein during the first months/years of life. Nevertheless, if you experience any discomfort, you should inform your doctor so that the baby can develop without complaints.
- In infants, milk allergy can manifest itself in the form of restlessness, inconsolable crying and insomnia, which is often dismissed as “harmless”.
- Breastfed babies can have allergic reactions that are not directed against breast milk but against the cow’s milk protein from the mother’s diet.
- Cow’s milk allergy in the baby
- Baby nutrition – The recommendation for babies
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