Baby Formula Allergy Symptoms

Baby Formula Allergy Symptoms

Infant formula protein allergy, also known as cow's milk protein or CMP allergy, affects around five to 15 percent of infants, according to the October 2007 issue of "Archives of Disease in Childhood." CMP allergy occurs when an infant grows an abnormal immune reaction to the proteins found in cow's milk-based formulas. Infants who are exclusively breast-fed have a lower risk of developing CMP allergy than infants who are mixed-fed or formula-fed. In general, allergic reactions to cow's milk protein in baby formulas can range from mild to severe, so it is important to be aware of the symptoms.

Skin Symptoms

Skin symptoms are the most immediate reactions to cow's milk protein. Parents may notice swollen lips or eyelids and red, raised, itchy welts on the skin of their infant within forty-five min of being fed milk-based infant formulas. Some infants may experience an acute case of atopic dermatitis within 2 hours afterward feeding. Symptoms of atopic dermatitis include a very itchy rash that first appears as small pimples on the baby's face and scalp or the outdoor surfaces of the arms and legs. The infant may attempt to rub or scratch his face, causing the rash to spread and ooze fluid. Chronic atopic dermatitis may indicate a severe case of CMP allergy.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Infants allergic to cow's milk protein in milk-based formula may experience several digestive problems within forty-five min to twenty hours after feeding. Symptoms include frequent regurgitation, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, blood in stool and anemia. Some babies may experience just diarrhea or vomiting, while others will show unnatural paleness with the digestive symptoms. Diarrhea may also continue for some days after feeding. Chronic diarrhea, refusal to feed and/or vomiting may indicate a severe case of CMP allergy, according to "Archives of Disease in Childhood." Doctors may advise parents to seek immediate consultation with a medical specialist.

Respiratory Symptoms

According to "Archives of Disease in Childhood," about twenty percent of babies may experience respiratory symptoms that include a runny nose unrelated to cool or other infections, chronic cough or wheezing. These symptoms may develop anywhere from 20 hours to several days after the baby was fed cow's milk-based formula. Difficulty breathing may indicate life-threatening anaphylaxis due to a severe allergic reaction to cow's milk protein; emergency medical attention should be sought.

Anaphylaxis

The Mayo Clinic describes anaphylaxis as a severe, potentially deadly allergic reaction that happens now upon exposure to an allergen. Severe allergic reaction to cow's milk protein usually involves anaphylactic reactions that include difficulty breathing, gagging, refusal to feed, vomiting or severe diarrhea. Swelling of the entire face quickly spreads to the rest of the infant's body. Anaphylaxis or respiratory distress demands emergency medical attention.

References

• "Archives of Disease in Childhood": Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of cow's milk protein allergy in infants; Vandenplas; October 2007.
  
• Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Milk Allergy
• Mayo Clinic: Anaphylaxis