Is cow's milk protein allergy in children dangerous?

Ask:

Recently, I am preparing to return to work so I am giving my baby formula milk. However, I noticed that my baby has a rash around his mouth after drinking it. Do I need to see a doctor?

Tran Minh Hoan ( Hanoi )

Illustration photo.

MSc. Dr. Ngo Thi Cam - Pediatrics, Medlatec General Hospital answered:

Cow's milk and products derived from cow's milk contain many nutrients that are beneficial to children's health. However, the body's immune system can react to the protein in this food, leading to allergies. Cow's milk protein allergy is the most common food allergy in children.

Depending on the allergic condition, the child's body has different levels of reaction. In which, rapid reactions often occur within a few minutes to two hours after drinking milk or eating dairy products.

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

To limit milk allergies, mothers should breastfeed their babies exclusively for the first 6 months and can continue until 24 months.

In addition, parents need to note the following important information: In case the child has to use formula milk, note to let the child practice drinking milk in small amounts. If it is safe, you can adjust to increase the amount of drinking in the next times; Absolutely do not arbitrarily replace cow's milk with goat's milk, sheep's milk or soy milk because they can cause cross-allergy with cow's protein.

There are cases where children are allergic to all cow's milk products such as yogurt, cheese, biscuits...; Choose suitable milk to avoid allergies in children such as partially hydrolyzed milk, completely hydrolyzed milk, amino acid milk.

It is important to promptly take children to reputable medical facilities to specifically identify the type of allergen causing the allergy and its properties, thereby having an appropriate and effective treatment plan.

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