Cows’ milk protein allergy: The diagnostic challenge in general practice

Diagnosing cows’ milk protein allergy (CMPA) can be a clinical challenge for GPs and paediatricians. CMPA is the most common food allergy and can affect 2–3% of infants. Many of the symptoms associated with CMPA are also common in healthy infants and do not necessarily indicate pathology or an allergy. GPs will commonly be the first point of contact for parents when they are concerned about their baby. With increased media attention about CMPA, parents will often volunteer this as a possible cause for their babies’ symptoms. At what point should we consider making the diagnosis and how can we be certain of the diagnosis and confident in starting mother and baby on a journey of restricted eating? This article aims to give you the knowledge and confidence to explore CMPA as a potential diagnosis in babies presenting with multiple, significant and persistent symptoms that are resistant to medical treatment.