Cow's Milk Allergy (CMA) affects 2-4% of the population and most babies are diagnosed in the first 16 weeks of life and are often misdiagnosed as having reflux or colic. CMA is divided into 2 categories; Non IgE CMA and IgE CMA. Non IgE presents with a reaction that is delayed from 2-72hrs after ingestion and IgE CMA is immediate up to 2 hrs after ingestion. CMA is when there is a combination of persistent symptoms that occur with little relief from first line measures. These symptoms are a combination of 1 or more of these: persistent irritability, vomiting, diarrhoea, food refusal, constipation, painful flatulence, blood and or mucous in stools, itching, flushing skin, rash or atopic dermatitis or in the case of IgE allergy there could be swelling and/or conjunctivitis, running/itching nose.

CMA is easily treated with the right advice and support. I am very favourable of Mothers to continue breast feeding during this time so it is very important that they receive appropriate nutrients in their diet whilst eating a dairy free diet. For bottle fed babies, it is important to ensure the right milk is prescribed to relieve symptoms.

If you suspect your child as having a cow's milk allergy, it is important to consult with your GP in the first instance.