The Guideline is available as an online resource at www.cowsmilkallergyguidelines.
A new survey conducted by the ACT on CMA campaign has underlined the need for this resource, with only 3% of GPs saying they currently feel very confident in diagnosing the condition.
More on cow's milk allergy
www.cowsmilkallergyguidelines.co.uk has been developed by the ACT on CMA campaign, supported by infant nutrition specialists Aptamil Professional, and medical nutrition specialists Danone Nutricia Early
Life Nutrition.
This article has been provided by Danone Nutricia Early Life Nutrition
Although CMA is the most common childhood food allergy, affecting between 1.9% to 4.9% of children, it can be challenging for GPs to recognise because presenting symptoms can vary between cases and may be similar to those seen in other common conditions, leading to delays in diagnosis and distress for patients and their families.
The website www.cowsmilkallergyguidelines.
Dr Adam Fox, consultant and reader in paediatric allergy and a member of the MAP Guideline expert group, said: ‘GPs and their teams have a significant role to play in diagnosing and managing cow’s milk allergy – the most clinically complex and common food allergy.
‘We hope that the MAP Guideline will have a real and positive impact on the primary care community, as well as providing important support for GPs and primary care teams.'
Dr Jo Walsh, a GP and member of the expert group that developed the MAP Guideline, said: ‘As a GP myself, I know that recognising and managing cow’s milk allergy is a challenge for primary care. The MAP Guideline provides healthcare professionals working in primary care with a practical approach to help in earlier recognition, in confirming diagnosis and in effectively managing infants with symptoms of cow’s milk allergy.
‘We hope that this will not only improve the quality of life of infants and their families, but also minimise the financial burden on the healthcare system.’
