Allergy to cow's milk proteins only affects 5% of children, but let's face it, when it happens to you, it's like a thunderclap in a serene sky! You ask yourself many questions: what is this allergy, why did it happen to my child, what should I do now and how long will it last?
Let's start with the last question because it's the good news: this nightmare will "usually" only last 2 to 3 years. In 90% of cases, it disappears by the age of 2 to 3 years. The healing process can be accelerated by a well-supervised medical policy of reintroducing habituation (desensitisation) under the supervision of the allergist (do not improvise at home).
What is this allergy?
Your child was probably genetically programmed to be allergic to cow's milk protein. It was not the milk that made him allergic. His body does not accept these proteins and in their presence makes IgE antibodies that bind to these proteins and then to cells (mast cells) full of histamine, resulting in the release of histamine into the bloodstream.
It has the capacity to dilate the arteries and therefore causes theappearance of urticaria, oedema and even shock (drop in blood pressure). So, like any allergy, it can be life threatening. The consequence? Make a diagnosis (this is the job of the allergist with very precise tests and dosages) - and once this is done, eliminate all sources of cow's milk protein and all mammalian milk (goat's, sheep's, mare's or donkey's milk). Total eradication is very important.
Why did this happen to my child?
Because genetically your child is allergic to certain foods, and there is nothing you can do about it. It can also affect other family members because theallergy is hereditary.
How to proceed now?
Find a good allergist and follow his instructions strictly as milk proteins are present in many products. If you are mixed breastfeeding, continue to give him your milk. Then, you will have to replace your infant milk with a special infant milk made only from fully hydrolysed cow's milk proteins (Alfaré°, Peptijunior°, Pregestimil°, Néocate°) or from rice proteins (in pharmacies).
You should also cook everything with this type of milk (purées, yoghurts, cream desserts) and nothing else. No milk from other mammals and no dairy products (no yoghurts, cheeses, whites, cheeses, etc.). Look at the labels carefully and do not buy products that say "milk, milk protein, lactoprotein, whey protein, casein, caseinates, lactalbumin, lactose, margarine, cream". If in doubt, call the consumer service.
Beware also of substitute products based on soya juice (drinks, soya "yoghurts"). There are often cross-reactions, i.e. the child may also be allergic to them. It is the allergist who will tell you whether or not he or she can consume them: only listen to his or her advice.
Prohibited foods and products:
All dairy products from all mammals, milk-based desserts, sandwich bread, rusks, milk-based flours, pastries, pancakes, pastries, ice cream, freeze-dried purée, chocolate powders, margarines, cream, butter, mayonnaise, béchamel sauces, gratins, gnocchi, soups, some chewing gum, some medicines (including Maxilase °), some shampoos and ointments.
A final piece of advice: your child should always carry emergency treatment in case of an attack (adrenaline pen, ventolin, corticosteroid, anti-histamine) and also at school.
At school, it must be the subject of a PAI (Protocole d'Accueil Individualisé) which defines the contents and storage location of the first aid kit as well as the behaviour to be adopted in case of crisis (canteen staff, leaders for school outings, teachers, friends, etc.). They should also bring their own home-cooked meal and should not share other children's meals (beware of the temptation to taste from the other child's plate). There are companies that make allergen-free meals(Natâma°, for example); this can be a relief.
And finally, let's end on a positive note: tell yourself that this will only "last" 2 or 3 years. Everything will work out in the end!
Dr Laurence PLUMEY
Nutritionist. Paris Hospitals IDF
Professor of Nutrition
Author of numerous books for the general public
2 Comments. Write a new one
Thank you for this very interesting article, which has the great merit of informing parents who are new to the world of allergies of the associated dangers (drugs, cosmetics) that are so little talked about. It would nevertheless be more complete to include allergies to non-IGE dependent POS. They are more difficult to diagnose and yet present: my two children suffered from them.
Hello,
Yes, but Dr Plumey didn't want to complicate things by making a rather short article... But you are right.