CMPA Types

The differences

The main difference between the two types of CMPA is the presence of antibodies. In IgE-mediated CMPA antibodies are present, whereas with non-IgE-mediated CMPA the immune system does not produce antibodies.

IgE-mediated CMPA

With IgE-mediated cow’s milk allergy, symptoms are usually visible within minutes or up to 2 hours after ingestion and can range from mild to severe. They are generally related to inflammation – itching, swelling, digestive problems like tummy pain and diarrhea, hay fever and difficulties breathing.

Non-IgE-mediated CMPA

Non-IgE-mediated CMPA is often recognizable because the symptoms take a lot longer to appear after ingestion.

The delayed symptoms that occur with non-IgE-mediated CMPA are easier to confuse with other conditions not related to cow’s milk protein. They include colic-type symptoms, skin symptoms like eczema and itching, reflux and a different range of digestive symptoms (unusual poos, tummy pain and constipation).

Mixed allergic reaction

Some babies can have mixed allergic reactions, with symptoms of both IgE-mediated and non-IgE-mediated allergy. This means that they will have a mix of symptoms, some of which come on quickly while others take a few days, or longer, to appear.