Cows milk protein allergy (Dairy allergy) 

If you suspect your child has symptoms of a dairy allergy or have a confirmed diagnosis , we are here to support you. 

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There are three different types of dairy allergies 

1. IgE - mediated allergy

Symptoms usually appear within minutes or up to two hours after eating anything that contains cow’s milk protein. This is because the immune system reacts to cow’s milk protein by producing IgE antibodies. These antibodies are produced by immune cells and activate the immune system to release chemicals such as histamines, which then trigger an immediate allergic reaction.

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2. Non IgE- mediated allergy

symptoms usually appear after two hours or up to a few days after eating anything containing cow’s milk protein.

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3. Mixed allergic reaction 

Some babies with cow's milk allergy can have mixed allergic reactions, where they have symptoms of both IgE-mediated and non-IgE-mediated allergy. This means that the symptoms could come on quickly after eating or drinking anything with cow's milk protein and they could also appear after a few days.

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Symptoms of a dairy allergy 

 IgE-mediated cow’s milk allergy, you may notice:

• Skin symptoms such as itchy rash, hives and swelling of the lips, tongue or face

• Gastrointestinal symptoms such as tummy pain, vomiting and diarrhoea

• Hay fever-like symptoms such as sneezing and an itchy, runny or blocked nose

• Breathing difficulties

In very severe cases, an IgE-mediated allergic reaction could lead to anaphylaxis (this is uncommon) 

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Non IgE mediated symptoms, include 

• Colic-type symptoms

• Skin symptoms such as eczema and itching

• Reflux

• Gastrointestinal symptoms such as unusual stools, tummy pain and constipation

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There are various stages when in comes to treating a delayed (Non IgE) dairy allergy 

Stage 1 : if you are breastfeeding or formula feeding , a 4 week exclusion of dairy would need to occur. If you are formula feeding, your childrens dietitian would prescribe a specialised formula. If you are breastfeeding you would need to exclude dairy. 

Stage 2 : Re-introduce dairy through a systematic way guided by your dietitian to confirm diagnosis 

Stage 3 : If diagnosis is confirmed, there will be a 6 month complete elimination phase. Dairy free weaning would need to occur and this has to be done with your dietitian to ensure there are no nutrient deficiencies 

Stage 4 : Milk ladder : After 6 months of exclusion, you will be advised to re-introduce dairy through a gradual laddered approach guided by your paediatric dietitian. 

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If your child has a IgE mediated (immediate) dairy allergy then there will be a strict elimination phase and re-introduction may only occur in a hospital controlled setting.