
Cow’s milk allergy is an allergy to milk protein babies have when they are either fed with cow's milk directly or if the breastfeeding mother consumes cow's milk. This causes symptoms in the baby before being weaned, or if the baby consumes cow's milk protein, containing products during or after weaning. The allergy usually appears in the first year of a baby's life, most babies outgrow it after the first year of life.
When your baby is allergic to milk, his or her immune system which fights against infection overreacts to the protein contained in the milk. The baby’s body treats this milk protein as harmful invaders and starts working to fight against it. This leads to an allergic reaction in the body and the body then releases chemicals like histamine. Milk protein allergy can occur in adults as well but are more common in children.

Children who have milk allergy will show symptoms soon after consuming milk.
They show the following symptoms –
Allergic reactions to milk may vary from child to child. Few babies may show mild symptoms to severe life-threatening symptoms.

Children also can have an intolerance to milk in which they might show symptoms such as loose stools, blood in the stool, refusal to eat, or irritability or colic appear hours to days later.
A milk allergy should not be confused with lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is when the body has trouble digesting the lactose in the milk. On consuming milk if your child seems to have an intolerance or an allergy, it is always best to consult a pediatrician.
Follow the food allergy action plan your doctor gave you if your child has an allergic reaction to milk. If your child shows serious symptoms, give an oral antihistamine at home and take your child to the nearest emergency room.
Although whatever you do, be very particular to first consult with your child specialist.
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Vomiting, diarrhea, blood or mucus in the stool, skin rashes, hives, asthma, or poor weight gain are common signs of cow's milk allergies. These signs usually appear soon after feeding and should be checked by a doctor.
Many babies do outgrow cow’s milk allergy. Most start to improve between one and three years old as their immune systems get stronger. Regular check-ups help track progress. Milk should only be reintroduced slowly and with a doctor’s guidance.
With a milk allergy, the baby's stools may be loose, frequent, green or frothy, and may contain mucus, or streaks of blood. A strong odor and discomfort during passing stools are common.
Cow’s milk allergy usually develops in early infancy. Symptoms often appear in the first few months, commonly after formula feeding or when cow’s milk protein enters breast milk from the mother’s diet.