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 Protein 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 diarrhoea, and difficulties breathing.

Non-IgE-mediated CMPA

Non-IgE-mediated CMPA is often recognisable because the symptoms can take a lot longer to appear after ingestion, anywhere from 2 up to 72 hours.

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 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.