Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy

A hypersensitivity reaction to cow's milk protein ( CMP ) involving the immune system can be called CMPA ( European Academy for Allergy and Clinical Immunology and World Allergy Organization )

IgE Medicated -Reactions are acute Frequently have rapid onset From minutes- up to 2 hrs after allergen ingestion

Non IgE Mediated -Generally delayed Non-acute Type 4 type delayed hypersensitivity Up to 48 hrs and up to 1 week after consuming cow's milk protein

Mixed- Mixed IgE and Non-IgE Mixed reponses

How common -Most common childhood food allergy in children is CMPAsecond to egg allergy Highest prevalence in 1st year- seen less commonly in older children and adults ( often outgrown ) Prevalence of 2-3 % in the infant population which falls to < 1% in children 6 yrs and older Prevalence of food allergy and food intolerance is increasing Parents perceive CMA in their children far more than can be proven by oral food challenge Exclusively breast fed infants may also develop clinically significant CMA via dairy protein transfer into human breast milk ( uncommon )

Pathophysiology- Important to note that CMPA is an immune mediated disorder whereas food intolerance(s) is/are non-immunological and can be caused by enzyme deficiencies...