COW MILK ALLERGY

Abstract

Cow milk allergy is defined as hypersensitivity to cow milk proteins whose pathogenesis involves an immune response to cow milk proteins. Responses are classified as immediate, intermediate or delayd clinical reactions according of time between ingestion of cow milk and the apperance of clinical symptoms which affect the skin, gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. The use of substitute formula seems to be essential up to the age of least two years to ensure normal growth. Exensively hydrolysed formulae is based on hydrolysed proteins with fragments small enough not to induce allergic reactions in sensitised children. If children who do not tolerate extensively hydrolysed formulae or growth retardation (failure to thrive) is a problem, intervention with amino acid based formula may be recommended.