Cow’s milk allergy in infancy: best practice in primary care

Nutricia Early Life Nutrition has commissioned a short Guidelines in Practice film, with Dr Adam Fox (Consultant Paediatric Allergist), and a webinar about the diagnosis and management of cow’s milk allergy.

By Nutricia Early Life Nutrition

The prevalence of allergy is increasing, as is our collective understanding about its impact on long-term health. In the case of cows’ milk allergy (CMA) the immune system overreacts to one or more proteins contained in cow’s milk¹. CMA is the most common food allergy in early childhood, affecting 2–5% of infants, and can be distressing for both the infants and parents². The symptoms are incredibly broad and can range from issues such as diarrhoea to issues such as wheezing and eczema; it can be distressing for both the infant and parents.

To help support healthcare professionals with the management and diagnosis of CMA, and in partnership with Guidelines in Practice, Nutricia Early Life Nutrition has commissioned a film, with Dr Adam Fox, a Consultant Paediatric Allergist, and a webinar with Dr Mich Lajeunesse and Dr Rosan Meyer. Both resources cover a multitude of related topics about cow’s milk allergy and are designed to help healthcare professionals in their day-to-day practices.

Video: Cow’s milk allergy in infancy — diagnosis and management in primary care

In the short video, Dr Adam Fox answered the following questions on cow’s milk allergy:

• How many infants in the UK are affected by cow’s milk allergy and what impact does this have?
• When should cow’s milk allergy be considered — what are the signs and symptoms that infants present with?
• How was the iMAP guideline developed and what are the main aims of the guidance?
• What are the key recommendations made in the iMAP guideline for the diagnosis and management of non-IgE-mediated CMA?
• What are the key steps and decisions that should be made when managing infants with cow’s milk allergy and choosing an appropriate formula?

To watch ‘Cow’s milk allergy in infancy — diagnosis and management in primary care with Dr Adam Fox’, please visit: https://www.guidelinesinpractice.co.uk/videos/video-cows-milk-allergy-in-infancy/454202.article#video_1

Webinar: Cow’s milk allergy in infancy: best practice in primary care

This one-hour Guidelines in Practice webinar, presented by Dr Mich Lajeunesse and Dr Rosan Meyer, provides an overview of the iMAP guideline as a practical tool to assist GPs in the recognition, diagnosis, and management of CMA. It also discusses the symptoms and different presentations of CMA, and what the options are for managing these, including breastfeeding, exclusion diets, and the different formula milk options.

After watching the webinar, 99% of viewers concluded that they were reasonably confident, confident, or very confident in diagnosing non-IgE-mediated CMA, while 100% of viewers were reasonably confident, confident, or very confident in managing non-IgE-mediated CMA.

To watch the webinar please visit: https://www.guidelinesinpractice.co.uk/webinars/cows-milk-allergy-in-infancy-best-practice-in-primary-care/454122.article

*Since the production of these digital resources the iMAP guideline has been slightly updated. The information in the resources is still valid but please visit https://www.allergyuk.org/health-professionals/mapguideline to view the very latest version.

With over 40 years’ experience of innovation in CMA, we are pioneering solutions for the dietary management of CMA in infants and young children. To help support healthcare professionals we have created a bank of free resources for them to use in their daily practices. This includes a range of free printed resources, which includes a Cows’ Milk Allergy Recipe Booklet with over 20 weaning recipes. There is a host of other invaluable, evidence-based, resources for healthcare professionals to lean on to help them support mums during the first 1,000 days:

Cows’ milk allergy — a case study

To parents Sian and Alex, their baby boy Finley was healthy and developing well on the breast. Nothing could have prepared them for the difficulties they would experience when they tried to wean him. READ MORE

Cows’ Milk Allergy: myth vs reality

There is often confusion about the diagnosis and management of CMA. In this feature, renowned specialist paediatric allergy dietitian, Dr Carina Venter, looks at ten common misconceptions and replaces myths with facts. READ MORE

Cows’ milk protein allergy: NICE — a practical summary

A useful and practical summary of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for the diagnosis and assessment of food allergy in children and young people in primary care and community settings. READ MORE

Our Careline

The information above is designed to help healthcare professionals support parents, but if you still need assistance, at Nutricia Early Life Nutrition we have two carelines with two dedicated phone numbers; one for your patients to call directly, and the other specifically for healthcare professionals. The Nutricia Early Life Nutrition healthcare professional helpline is staffed by people who understand what it’s like to be on the frontline of healthcare. Our team has over a hundred and fifty years’ cumulative experience, including hands-on experience in midwifery, as well as paediatric and neonatal nursing.

Our free healthcare professional helpline is open from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday. Just phone 0800 996 1234 for expert advice on infant feeding and nutrition, including common infant feeding problems such as cows’ milk allergy, colic, constipation and reflux.

“We take calls from GPs, nutritionists, dietitians, midwives, health visitors…”

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Breastfeeding is best for babies. Infant formula is suitable from birth when babies are not breastfed. Follow-on milk is only for babies over 6 months, as part of a mixed diet and should not be used as a breastmilk substitute before 6 months. We advise that all formula milks including the decision to start weaning should be made on the advice of a doctor, midwife, health visitor, public health nurse, dietitian, pharmacist or other professional responsible for maternal and child care. Foods for special medical purposes should only be used under medical supervision. May be suitable for use as the sole source of nutrition for infants from birth, and/or as part of a balanced diet from 6–12 months. Refer to label for details.

References

1. Du Toit G et al. Arch Dis Child Educ Pract Ed 2010;95:134–44.
2. Fiocchi A et al. World Allergy Organization (WAO) Diagnosis and Rationale for Action against Cow’s Milk Allergy (DRACMA) Guidelines. World Allergy Organ J. 2010;3(4):57–161.