CMPA Types

Breaking down
the two types.

The main difference between the two types of CMPA is the involvement of antibodies 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 allergy, symptoms are usually visible within minutes or up to 2 hours after ingestion and can range from mild to severe.

The involvement of antibodies of IgE antibodies triggers an inflammatory response.

Non-IgE-mediated CMPA

Non-IgE-mediated CMPA is often recognisable because the symptoms take a lot longer to appear after ingestion.

The longer and delayed response that occurs with non IgE mediated CMPA is easier to confuse with other causes not related to cow’s milk protein. They include colic-type symptoms, skin symptoms like eczema and itching, reflux and a different range of gastrointestinal symptoms (unusual stools, 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 to appear.