Allergy to cow's milk protein in infants: symptoms and causes
Cow's milk is quite an allergenic product. The immune system of babies is not yet fully formed, and can react unusually to the protein, which is the main component of milk.An allergy to cow's milk protein forces you to limit dairy products in your dietPhoto: Getty Symptoms of an allergy to cow's milk protein may include:
- Copious frequent regurgitation;
- Stool irregularities: unusual color or texture, sharp unpleasant odor;
- Skin rash, red spots, peeling;
- The appearance or strengthening of intestinal colic;
- No weight gain.
If the mother breastfeeds the child, allergens get to him through her milk. If the baby is bottle-fed, the cause of the allergy is an incorrectly selected formula.
What to do if your baby is allergic to protein
When breastfeeding, a woman needsstick to a diet. All dairy products are excluded from the diet. You can leave a small portion of fermented milk products, they will not cause harm. To avoid cross-allergy, it is necessary to reduce the consumption of beef, veal and their by-products. It will be useful to limit other products that are natural allergens. These are eggs, mushrooms, nuts, coffee. A milk-free mixture will help a formula-fed baby get out of the situation. A fairly wide range of such products is available in stores. If allergy symptoms appear, you need to show the child to a pediatrician. It will be useful to conduct allergy tests, this will allow you to prescribe the most effective treatment. To relieve skin irritation, the doctor can prescribe antihistamines, soothing ointments. At home, you can bathe the baby in a bath with the addition of succession or chamomile extract. The child grows, his immunity and gastrointestinal tract are strengthened. By the age of one, the child's body no longer reacts so aggressively to cow protein. But the best solution is not to introduce dairy products into the child's diet until three years. One option is to introduce the baby to goat's milk first, it is less allergenic. An allergy to cow's milk protein slightly complicates the first months of life for the baby and its parents, but this is a temporary phenomenon. To cope with it, you need to adjust the diet of the nursing mother or buy a suitable formula. See also: