Blood test (RAST)
A small amount of blood is taken to look for the antibodies created to fight the cow’s milk protein – these are called Immunoglobulin E (IgE).
CMPA Diagnosis
The pathway to a clear diagnosis is a step-by-step process. We’ll help you understand those steps, so you feel prepared for the journey and any visits with your healthcare provider.
The pathway to a clear diagnosis starts here
Overview of Symptoms
DIGESTIVE
Up to 34% of infants with CMPA have digestive symptoms
RESPIRATORY
Up to 30% of infants with CMPA have respiratory symptoms
ANAPHYLAXIS
Anaphylactic shock is a severe, immediate, allergic reaction, which can affect many parts of the body
SKIN
Up to 75% of infants with CMPA can have skin-related symptoms
GENERAL SYMPTOMS
Could My Baby Have Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy?
Babies with CMPA usually experience more than just one symptom and these symptoms can be very different from one baby to the next. Therefore it is always best to discuss it with your baby’s healthcare provider. They will look at the symptoms in detail and often use a symptom scoring system to decide if it is related to CMPA.
Diagnosing CMPA
Your healthcare provider will examine your baby and ask you some questions around your baby's diet and their symptoms. If cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA), is suspected, your healthcare provider may then perform specific allergy tests to confirm the diagnosis. These tests may include a blood test, skin prick test or elimination diet followed by food challenge.
Skin prick test
The skin is scratched first and a tiny amount of the food/allergen is added to the skin.
It is important that you do not experiment with a cow’s milk-free diet for your baby without recommendation and guidance from your healthcare provider. Based on the age of your baby and the severity of the symptoms, your healthcare provider will recommend the most suitable solution.
The best way for your healthcare provider to confirm or exclude the diagnosis of CMPA is through an elimination diet, which involves eliminating cow’s milk proteins from your baby’s diet, followed by food challenge, in which cow’s milk protein is reintroduced.
After diagnosis what next?
If the diagnosis of CMPA is confirmed, the good news is that with the support of your healthcare provider, CMPA can be managed.
Diagnosis of CMPA should not impact on your breastfeeding routine. Mothers are encouraged to continue breastfeeding even when their babies have CMPA. This usually requires qualified dietary counselling to completely exclude all sources of cow’s milk protein from the mother’s diet. Vitamin D and calcium supplements might be recommended by your healthcare provider.
DIETARY MANAGEMENT
CMPA can be managed easily with the right dietary changes and feeding. When breastfeeding is not an option, your healthcare provider will decide on which tailored-made solution best suits your baby's needs.
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LIVING WITH CMPA
There are solutions for every family. Hear from other families affected by CMPA and get tips on everything about feeding your baby.
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Diagnostic Elimination Diet
