CMPA vs CPMI Difference

Food Allergies Are Usually More Common In Children

What is Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy ?

In Cow’s Milk Allergy, our immune system recognize cow’s milk as a harmful substance and react against it. After a sensitization phase, when cow’s milk is introduced for second time the body produces huge number of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to neutralize the protein (allergen) in cow’s milk. Cross linking reaction lead to degranulation of mast cell releasing large number of powerful chemical mediators including histamine and other chemicals leading to sign and symptoms of allergic inflammation.

Cow’s milk contain two main proteins which are responsible for allergic reactions. These include:

• Casein, found in the solid part (curd) of milk that curdles
• Whey, found in the liquid part of milk that remains after milk curdles

An individual can have allergy to one or both of the proteins. Less commonly, people allergic to cow’s milk are also allergic to soy milk.

What is Cow’s Milk Protein Intolerance

The most common symptoms include:

• Tingling sensation or itching in and around the mouth
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, face, throat or other parts of the body
• Hives, itching or eczema
• Cough, wheezing or trouble breathing
• Nasal congestion
• Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting
• Anaphylaxis

Difference Between CMPA vs CMPI

Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA) is a form of allergic reaction to protein present in the cows mild and it is immunologically mediated reaction. Cow’s Milk Protein Intolerance (CMPI) is not allergy and it is not immunologically mediated. In CMPI Milk protein cause local injury to gut leading symptoms ranging from diarrhea, blood in stool, abdominal colic etc. There is another condition called lactose intolerance which is due to deficiency of enzyme lactase. Lactase isan important enzyme in the small intestines which break lactose into glucose and galactose. This condition may mimic CMPA and CMPI.

Diagnosis of Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy

Till date there is no ideal test. A physician should consider the following:

• Symptoms. Tell your physician /allergist, the symptoms you are experiencing.
• Family history of allergies. Tell your physician whether other family members are suffering from any form of allergic disorders.
• A physical examination. To find out any urticarial lesion in the body and to exclude other cause of similar symptoms.
• A skin prick test. A skin prick test using food allergen can be performed. Expertise in this regard is necessary to perform skin test. A positive prick test is only indicate the people is sensitized to particular food allergen tested.
• A blood test. A blood test can be performed to measure the allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE).
• Elimination diet.
• Oral food challenge.

Treatment of Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy

Avoidance is the best preventive measure.

However an individual may unknowingly come in contact with the food and lead to allergic reaction.

For mild to moderate allergic reaction:  over-the-counter or prescribed antihistamines are helpful.

For severe allergic reaction: If there is severe reaction or anaphylaxis one must inject adrenaline/ epinephrine in appropriate dosage. If someone has adrenaline autoinjector then he can use it otherwise one have to attend nearest hospital as early as possible. One must carry his adrenaline autoinjector all the time if an allergist prescribed it.

Food Allergy Mimickers

Common conditions that mimic food allergy include:

• Lactase deficiency / lactose intolerance
• Food poisoning
• Celiac disease. sometimes called to as a gluten allergy
• Sensitivity to food additives.eg sulfites used in dried fruit, canned goods
• Histamine toxicity from certain not refrigerated fish

Read in depth of Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy

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Point to be remembered in managing Food Allergy

Avoidance of the offending food is the best way to prevent food allergy. One must know the causative food to which he is allergic. A person with food allergy must be cautious when eating in  restaurants and in social events.

If you have  food allergy, then follow these steps:

• Know what you’re eating and drinking. Always read the food labels while you eating something.
• If you have already had a severe reaction/anaphylaxis, wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace that will alert others and you have a food allergy.
• Have an action plan ready. Always have a action plan of your food allergy.
• Have an Epinephrine / Adrenaline Autoinjector with you.
• Be careful while eating at restaurants.
• Plan your meals and snacks before leaving home.

If your child has food allergy, you must follow few steps to ensure your child is safe:

• Always notify key people about the child’s food allergy. Inform your child care providers, school personnel, parents of your child’s friends and other adults who regularly interact with your child. Tell them that food allergy may be life threatening and may require urgent intervention to save life of the child.
• Explain food allergy symptoms to persons who spend time with the child.
• Have a written action plan.This plan should include the appropriate management strategies to care the child in case of food allergy and in emergency case of anaphylaxis. One copy of the plan must be given to school authority.
• Have your child wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace to display that he/she has Food Allergy.

In-depth reading

In Cow Milk Allergy,  our immune system recognize cow’s milk as a harmful substance and react against it. After a sensitization phase, when cow’s milk is introduced for second time the body produces huge number of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to neutralize the protein (allergen) in cow’s milk. Cross linking reaction lead to degranulation of mast cell releasing large number of powerful chemical mediators including histamine and other chemicals leading to sign and symptoms of allergic inflammation.

Cow’s milk contain two main proteins which are responsible for allergic reactions. These include:

• Casein, found in the solid part (curd) of milk that curdles
• Whey, found in the liquid part of milk that remains after milk curdles

An individual can have allergy to one or both of the proteins. Less commonly, people allergic to cow’s milk are also allergic to soy milk.

Cow Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA)

is a form of allergic reaction to protein present in the cows mild and it is immunologically mediated reaction. Cow’s Milk Protein Intolerance (CMPI) is not allergy and it is not immunologically mediated. In CMPI Milk protein cause local injury to gut leading symptoms ranging from diarrhea, blood in stool, abdominal colic etc. There is another condition called lactose intolerance which is due to deficiency of enzyme lactase. Lactase isan important enzyme in the small intestines which break lactose into glucose and galactose. This condition may mimic CMPA and CMPI.