'Milk Ladder' Treatment for Cow's Milk Allergy

Member of the Turkish National Allergy and Clinical Immunology Association, Assoc. Dr. Betül Büyüktiryaki talked about new treatment methods in food allergies.

Stating that there have been promising developments in cow's milk allergy in recent years, Assoc. Dr. Betül Büyüktiryaki said, “Research has shown that children with mild milk allergy can tolerate baked milk products such as cakes and muffins, even if they cannot consume milk directly. Because milk is exposed to heat at 180 degrees for 30 minutes, reducing its allergenic feature. In addition, the flour and sugar used during cooking create a matrix effect in the mixture, contributing to the reduction of the allergic properties of milk. Based on this information, the "milk ladder" treatment in cow's milk allergy offers a solution in the fight against allergies.

In addition, Assoc. Dr. Betül Büyüktiryaki talked about the Milk Ladder treatment:

We can define it as “to ensure that the patient can consume milk directly at the end by consuming products such as yogurt and cheese, which are fermented milk products, from the least allergenic forms of milk, namely baked products, to more allergenic forms”. It can be applied in 4, 6 or 12 steps depending on the condition of the allergy and the patient. Which patient is suitable for this treatment, the foods to be included in the steps, the amounts to be consumed, how long the time between the steps should be, the necessity of doing the food loading tests between the steps, and whether it will be done in the hospital or at home should be determined by the pediatric allergist.

Age, type and severity of food allergy, previous reaction history, and values ​​in blood and skin allergy tests are taken into account in determining suitable patients for treatment. For example, patients with a history of anaphylaxis (allergic shock), high allergy test results, and uncontrolled asthma and atopic dermatitis are not suitable for this treatment method. Similarly, the "Egg Ladder" treatment can be applied in egg allergies. First of all, the pediatric allergist determines whether the patient is a suitable candidate for this treatment. One can gradually move from the least allergenic form of egg (baked products) to more allergenic forms (pancakes, boiled eggs, scrambled eggs if desired).

Cow's milk allergy can in some cases cause a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This situation, which occurs immediately after the consumption of milk or food made from milk; It is characterized by respiratory distress, flushing of the face, and a decrease in blood pressure. As a result of this reaction, the airway can be narrowed and air entry can be prevented. These reactions also require immediate intervention.

Food ladder therapy; It is an important up-to-date treatment method that is increasingly used, as it has a positive effect on children's nutrition, increases food diversity, improves the quality of life of children and their families, reduces the anxiety of accidentally encountering allergens, and accelerates the development of tolerance to allergen food.

What symptoms are seen immediately after consumption of milk or dairy products?

• skin rashes
• Wheezing, breathing difficulties
• Tingling, itching around the mouth or lips
• rash in the mouth, throat, or tongue; swelling
• Cough or shortness of breath
• Mumps
• watery stools, diarrhea, blood in stool
• Abdominal pain
• Runny nose
• watering eyes
• blood pressure drop
• Kolik