Signs and Symptoms of CMPA

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CMPA

Cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA), also known as cow’s milk allergy (CMA), is the most common food allergy in infants and children.
With such a wide range of symptoms, recognizing CMPA can be a challenge. It is particularly difficult when symptoms are similar to the expected behavior of your baby or when they overlap with other common problems.

Babies with CMPA may experience:

  • Digestive problems (such as diarrhea, vomiting, constipation and reflux)
  • Skin problems (such as urticaria, hives and eczema)
  • Respiratory symptoms (such as persistent cough and wheezing)
  • Generic symptoms (such as problems sleeping or persistent crying)

It is also important to note that not all symptoms will occur immediately (within 2 hours) after feeding; some may be delayed by several hours or even days. 

These types of symptoms can be distressing, particularly at this time when you are getting to know your baby. CMPA can be easily managed with diet, so getting an early and accurate diagnosis is very important. If you suspect your baby may be allergic to cows’ milk, you should always discuss this with your doctor or healthcare professional.

Digestive

  • Vomiting
  • Frequent regurgitation
  • Reflux
  • Refusal to feed
  • Colic
  • Diarrhea (with or without blood)
  • Constipation
  • Dysphagia

Up to 60% of affected infants have digestive symptoms.

Respiratory

  • Wheezing or noisy breathing
  • Runny nose
  • Persistent cough

Up to 30% of affected infants have respiratory symptoms.

Skin

  • Hives
  • Rash with raised red lumps
  • Swelling of lips or eyelids
  • Dry, scaly or itchy red skin (eczema)

Up to 70% of affected infants have skin-related symptoms.

General

  • Tiredness
  • Lethargy
  • Restlessness
  • Distress
  • Sleeping problems
  • Growth disorders
  • Inconsolable crying
  • Anaphylaxis shock

Inconsolable crying is very common in infants with CMPA, while anaphylaxis is very rare.

 

YOU SHOULD VISIT YOUR DOCTOR IF YOUR BABY HAS SUSPECTED SYMPTOMS RELATED TO COWS’ MILK ALLERGY

Always consult your baby’s doctor about the appropriate formula for your baby. It is important that you do not experiment with a cows’ milk-free diet for your baby without recommendation and guidance from your doctor.

The information in this section will help you understand what CMPA is and the most common signs and symptoms you may see in your baby, as well as how it is diagnosed and managed by your doctor.