A cow's milk allergy occurs when the immune system responds negatively to the proteins found in milk. This type of allergy is the most prevalent food allergy among infants and young children.

The symptoms of a cow's milk allergy can differ and may cause discomfort for children. That’s why it’s important for parents to be able to recognize the signs early on so they can take the proper steps to address the issue.

Symptoms of a Cow's Milk Allergy in Children

Typically, children who have a cow's milk allergy will exhibit the following signs:

Digestive Problems

Skin Reactions

A cow's milk allergy often causes visible skin reactions, such as rashes, eczema, or itching. These skin issues can appear on the face, neck, or other areas of the body, causing distress for the child.

Breathing Problems

Respiratory issues are also common in children with a cow's milk allergy. These can include a persistent runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and wheezing. In severe cases, the child may struggle to breathe properly. If such symptoms occur, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention.

Irritability and Sleep Issues

Children who are allergic to cow's milk often become more irritable and have trouble sleeping. This is due to the discomfort caused by digestive issues, skin irritation, or breathing difficulties.

Weight Loss

In some cases, a child with a cow's milk allergy may experience difficulty absorbing nutrients from food, especially if they are frequently vomiting or suffering from diarrhea. As a result, the child’s weight may fail to increase or may even decrease over time.

Causes of Cow's Milk Allergy

A cow's milk allergy in children is triggered by the immune system’s reaction to the proteins found in milk. There are two primary proteins responsible for this allergy:

• Casein

Casein is a protein that is found in milk when it thickens. This protein is also present in many dairy products like cheese, yogurt, butter, and other processed foods. 

• Whey

Whey is a protein found in the liquid portion of milk after it has been thickened. This protein is often found in dairy products like cheese, protein powders, and other processed foods. 

Children with a milk allergy might be allergic to one or both types of milk proteins. To avoid allergic reactions, it is crucial to keep these proteins out of their diet, including all forms of milk, formula, and dairy-based products.

Parents should carefully monitor their child’s food intake, reading labels diligently to avoid any ingredients related to milk proteins. These may include terms such as casein, whey, lactose, lactalbumin, lactoglobulin, and sodium caseinate.

If you suspect your child may have a cow's milk allergy, it's essential to consult a doctor. The doctor can perform allergy tests to confirm the presence of a milk allergy or other related allergies. 

For more information or if you have further questions about cow's milk allergies, consider using the health consultation feature on the Ai Care app, which is available for download on the App Store or Play Store.

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