Cough Could Be Signs Cow's Milk Allergy

Cough, runny nose, shortness of breath and asthma are common in children, it can also be because of allergy to cow's milk or formula. The case of milk allergy is the case that many experienced babies and toddlers.

However, children and infants cough, runny nose and shortness of breath also sometimes be caused by an infection. For that reason, it is important to know the difference.

"Characteristics of cough due to colds and infections due to allergies can be distinguished," said Dr. Zakiudin Munasir, Sp. A (K), Chairman of the Division of Allergy-Immunology, Section of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia in Jakarta.

Doctor Zaki said cough and cold due to allergy is usually not accompanied by fever and runny nose watery. Meanwhile, cough, runny nose due to an infection, usually with fever and fluid in the nose that is green and thick.

In some cases, allergies can also interfere with the digestive tract that cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Skin rash, itching, swelling and eczema can also be a symptom of allergies. To that end, the handling of cow's milk allergy in children need to know that parents do not inhibit the growth of children.

Based on Indonesian Pediatric Association on diagnosis and management of cow's milk allergy in 2010 explained that the main principles of therapy for cow's milk allergy is to avoid the total (complete avoidance) all forms of dairy cows. However, it should still provide nutritionally balanced and appropriate for the growth and development of infants and children.

"If a child has an allergy to cow's milk, do not give milk that contains the same, like goat milk or milk derivatives containing the same protein. As a replacement can give soy formula, "he said.

He warned, in giving milk or soy formula can not be indiscriminate. There are rules to be followed. For babies under 6 months old should not be given in certain cases. So, never give infants soy milk sold at the roadside.

Give only soy formula contained in the pharmacy, with advice from medical experts. The important thing is to monitor the genetic factors, avoid originators, and special newborns do not forget to give only breast milk (ASI), and avoid anything that could cause allergies such as carpet or smoke.

Several clinical studies in the world said that cow's milk allergy in children can be reduced or go away by itself. It increased with age and body immunity.

As many as 19 percent of children and some even free of allergy at the age of 4 years. Then, 42 percent of children free of allergy at the age of 8 years and 64 percent of non-allergic children at the age of 12 years and 79 children percent free of allergy at the age of 16 years.

"However, several other studies have also noted that allergies can persist into adulthood," said dr. Zaki.
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