Symptoms of milk protein allergy, be careful if these occur!

Symptoms of milk protein allergy often occur in daily life, and people do not have a good understanding of this allergic symptom. People who are allergic to milk protein usually experience symptoms such as abdominal distension and constipation, skin eczema, and frequent coughing and sneezing. Patients should have sufficient understanding of the allergic symptoms before making scientific treatment.

1. What is infant milk allergy?

Infant milk allergy is actually an allergy to the protein in milk, that is, it is caused by the baby's immune system overreacting to milk protein. Infant allergies are the most common food allergies that occur in babies in the first year after birth! About 2.5% of babies will suffer from varying degrees of milk allergy after birth.

2. There are three main symptoms of milk protein allergy:

The first is digestive tract symptoms. Children may frequently experience unexplained vomiting, abdominal distension, constipation, or even blood in the stool.

The second is skin symptoms. Children may have acute urticaria or chronic eczema.

The third is respiratory symptoms. Children frequently have cold-like symptoms such as coughing and sneezing for unknown reasons, and in severe cases they may also have asthma.

3. How to diagnose infant milk allergy?

Currently, the main methods for detecting infant milk allergy are: skin test, blood test, exclusion-provocation test

1. Skin test

This is a quick and simple test that involves pricking, scratching or injecting a small amount of the most common allergens in daily life into the baby's skin and then observing any changes in the baby's skin. If the baby's skin becomes red or swollen, the allergen test result is positive, indicating that the baby is allergic to the substance.

2. Blood test

The baby's blood is drawn and a serum test is done to determine if the allergy is present.

3. Exclusion-provocation test

Eliminate cow's milk from your baby's diet first, then reintroduce it under the close supervision of a doctor who will judge by the baby's physical reaction.

4. How to prevent baby milk allergy?

Generally speaking, babies who are breastfed have a lower risk of allergies than those who are fed regular infant formula containing complete cow’s milk protein[3], so breastfeeding is a relatively convenient way to prevent infants from developing cow’s milk allergies. Because the protein in breast milk is the same protein as the baby, it has a very low allergenic effect. Breast milk also contains probiotics such as bifidobacteria, which can help the baby establish a healthy intestinal flora and train the baby's immune system, thereby reducing the risk of allergies.

When breastfeeding is not possible, a clinically proven, moderately hydrolyzed whey protein formula should be used.

Authoritative organizations such as the Pediatric Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics), ESPGHAN (European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition), and the French Pediatric Society emphasize the prevention of allergic diseases through nutritional intervention. This is important for babies, especially those at risk of allergies; if breastfeeding is not possible, the baby should use formula milk that has been clinically proven to help reduce the risk of allergies and avoid contact with solid food and milk for at least 6 months after birth.