Common signs of cow's milk allergy: from skin to digestive tract
Symptoms can appear in several body systems, so cow's milk is not always the first thing people think of.
Skin signs
Common signs include redness around the mouth, weals, worsening eczema, and itching and swelling in one area shortly after eating. In babies, when eczema keeps coming back and there are also digestive symptoms, a doctor may consider factors related to feeding.
Digestive tract signs
- Repeated vomiting, frequent spitting up, refusing to feed
- Diarrhoea, blood streaks or mucus in the stool
- Bloating, tummy pain, crying and restlessness
- Slow or stalled weight gain
Airway and whole-body signs
Some people have a blocked nose, cough or wheezing. In severe cases there may be tightness in the throat, difficulty breathing, pale skin and low energy. These are signs of anaphylaxis, which needs emergency treatment. Call 120 (the emergency number in China) straight away. Because symptoms can appear in many parts of the body, working out whether cow's milk is the cause depends on when the food was eaten, the pattern of symptoms and a doctor's assessment. If needed, proper tests can confirm it. It is not recommended to avoid a wide range of foods on your own for a long time.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please follow your doctor's advice.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. If your symptoms affect daily life, please see a doctor.