Dr. Nguyen Phuc Tan, from the Clinical Immunology Department at Tam Anh General Hospital, TP HCM, conducted an in-depth assessment. This aimed to determine Phat's sensitivity to cow's milk protein and his tolerance for milk-containing foods. Skin prick tests revealed varying reactions to milk products with different protein concentrations. This result guides doctors in creating a suitable diet and evaluating food tolerance as Phat develops.

Phat also suffers from atopic dermatitis and a house dust mite allergy. These conditions indicate an immune system prone to overreacting to various allergens.

Skin prick test results showed a stronger reaction to high-protein milk products compared to lower-protein ones. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Skin prick test results showed a stronger reaction to high-protein milk products compared to lower-protein ones. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

According to Dr. Tan, multi-factor allergies, like Phat's case, often stem from an allergic predisposition. Here, the immune system tends to overreact to agents typically harmless to most people. Genetic factors play a role, especially if family members have allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis, or food allergies.

The living environment can also influence the onset and persistence of these conditions. For children with an allergic predisposition, frequent exposure to house dust mites, pet dander, cigarette smoke, air pollution, or certain food allergens can trigger or worsen allergic symptoms. Some children are at higher risk of developing additional allergic diseases, such as allergic rhinitis or bronchial asthma, as they grow.

Phat received a personalized allergy management plan. The treatment aims to control individual symptoms and reduce the overall allergic burden, helping him limit flare-ups, sleep better, and maintain normal daily activities and studies. Instead of strict avoidance, doctors guide the family to identify high-risk food groups, monitor Phat's reactions when eating outside, and periodically reassess his tolerance at different developmental stages.

For atopic dermatitis, parents can care for Phat's skin with suitable moisturizers to restore the skin's protective barrier. They also use prescribed medication to control inflammation during flare-ups. For dust mite allergy, specific desensitization treatment is prescribed. The family implements measures to reduce exposure, such as regularly cleaning the bedroom, washing bedding in hot water, limiting dust-collecting items, and ensuring good ventilation in the living space.

With good control over his diet and co-existing allergies, Phat's rash, itching, and eye swelling are now stable. His daily life and studies remain unaffected.

Doctors note a recent increase in food allergies among children. Cow's milk protein is one of the common allergens in young children. Cow's milk protein allergy is an immune reaction to proteins found in cow's milk. Beyond fresh milk, many sweets, ice cream, cheese, sauces, yogurt, and processed foods can contain milk protein, triggering reactions in sensitive children. Initially, some children may only experience a mild rash, but subsequent reactions can be more severe, including lip and eye swelling, wheezing, difficulty breathing, or even anaphylactic shock.

Many parents worry that children with cow's milk protein allergy will suffer nutritional deficiencies from long-term milk avoidance. However, children can develop normally with a proper nutritional plan and regular monitoring. Depending on the allergy's severity, doctors advise on alternative nutritional sources. These include specialized hydrolyzed formulas, amino acid formulas, or other suitable substitutes based on the child's age and nutritional needs. Children also require adequate protein, calcium, and vitamin D from other food sources to support their development.

Doctors caution parents against arbitrarily eliminating too many food groups or attempting to reintroduce previously allergenic foods at home, as reactions could be more severe than before. If a child shows signs of a rash, lip swelling, red eyes, wheezing, or difficulty breathing after eating, prompt medical attention at a hospital is crucial.

Minh Huong

*Character's name has been changed