Is cow's milk protein allergy dangerous for children?

Ask:

Recently, as I was preparing to return to work, I started giving my child formula. However, I noticed a rash around her mouth after drinking it. Should I take her to the doctor?

Tran Minh Hoan ( Hanoi )

Illustrative image.

MSc. Dr. Ngo Thi Cam - Pediatric Specialist, Medlatec General Hospital answers:

Cow's milk and dairy products contain many nutrients beneficial to children's health. However, a child's immune system may react to the protein in these foods, leading to allergies. Cow's milk protein allergy is the most common food allergy in children.

Depending on the severity of the allergy, a child's body will react in different ways. Rapid reactions typically occur within minutes to two hours after consuming milk or dairy products.

These reactions can manifest in the skin (hives, swollen lips, swollen eyelids...), throat (hoarseness, difficulty swallowing...), respiratory tract (sneezing, wheezing, shortness of breath), and digestive tract (vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea...). Severe cases can lead to anaphylactic shock, which is life-threatening if not treated promptly.

To minimize the risk of milk allergies, mothers should breastfeed their babies exclusively for the first 6 months and continue breastfeeding until 24 months.

In addition, parents should note the following important information: If the child needs to use formula milk, start with small amounts. If it seems safe, you can gradually increase the amount in subsequent feedings; Absolutely do not replace cow's milk with goat's milk, sheep's milk, or soy milk on your own, as these may cause cross-allergies with cow's milk protein.

Some children may be allergic to all cow's milk products such as yogurt, cheese, biscuits, etc.; choosing the right milk to avoid allergic reactions in babies, such as partially hydrolyzed milk, fully hydrolyzed milk, or amino acid milk, is important.

It is crucial to promptly take children to reputable medical facilities to have the specific allergen causing the allergy and its characteristics identified, so that appropriate and effective treatment can be provided.

Source: https://www.baogiaothong.vn/di-ung-dam-sua-bo-o-tre-co-nguy-hiem-192250107195356393.htm