Cows Milk Allergy among Young Children: An Overview

This brief review discussed the subject of cow's milk allergy (CMA), including definition, symptoms, and classification of reaction, risk factors and management. The literature highlighted the importance of breastfeeding as a natural way that provides optimal food for infants' healthy growth and development. If breastfeeding is unavailable, the parents are looking for an alternative, which may lead to some allergies. Cow's milk allergy (CMA) is one of the most common food allergies in early life. Cow's milk contains more than 20 portions fractions; allergens belong to casein protein. CMA may comprise different organs and systems, most commonly the skin and the gastrointestinal tract, followed by the respiratory tract. Concerning epidemiology reports, CMA is more likely to be higher risk among male than female, and this reverses in adulthood. CMA conditions are also expected to have other atopic diseases, with the prevalence of multiple food allergies identified in more than 90% of CMA patients in the at-risk population, high rates of asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis. There is evidence that genetic and environmental factors play an essential role in the development of CMA. The clinical diagnosis of CMA is sometimes tricky, as signs/symptoms such as regurgitation and colicky crying may also occur in more than 50% of healthy infants. Treatment of intolerance and allergies are different. The final cure for all food allergies is the complete elimination of food from the diet. If the child has a cow's milk allergy and accidentally consumes milk, Signs and symptoms begin shortly after consumption of milk; ranged of increased breathing, constriction of the airways, swelling of the throat, redness of the face, itching, and anaphylaxis. Antihistamines may reduce the mild allergic reaction, and the epinephrine injection is used for severe reaction cases. As a prevention measure for a severe reaction; the parents should have taught by health professionals and prepared them for emergencies.