Glossary
The glossary aids you in understanding the specialized terms in relation to cow's milk allergy and other food allergies. Start by typing in the search box or use the alphabetical index to find what you are looking for.
Abdomen
The belly, or that part of the body between the chest and the pelvis.
Abdominal
Pertaining to the abdomen. The abdomen or belly constitutes the part of the body between chest and pelvis.
Adverse Reaction
An unwanted effect caused by the administration of drugs or foods. Onset may be sudden or develop over time.
Allergens
Substances capable to trigger the production of IgE antibodies and to provoke allergic symptoms. Foods, such as cow’s milk, can be an allergen.
Allergic Reaction
Overreaction of our immune system to a certain (food) protein and the symptoms caused by this reaction.
Allergist
A doctor who specialises in the treatment of allergies.
Amino Acid
Basic building block of proteins. Amino acids, when absorbed by our body through the proteins contained in food, are involved in the building of tissues and in the synthesis of sugars and lipids.
Amino Acid-Based Formula
Chemical infant formula based on synthetic amino acids. It is suitable for the dietary management of children allergic to cow’s milk or with multiple food protein intolerance.
Anaphylaxis
Acute multi-system allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis can lead in some severe cases to anaphylactic shock, a potentially life threatening event for the patient, causing a constriction of the windpipe thus preventing breathing.
Antibodies
Also known as an immunoglobulin. Large proteins produced by the body and used by the immune system to identify and neutralise foreign bodies like bacteria and viruses.
Atopy
Genetic tendency to develop allergic diseases such as hay fever, asthma, atopic dermatitis, hives, etc.
Getting a diagnosis
How can you find out for sure if your child is allergic to cows' milk? What will your child's doctor do to confirm the diagnosis?
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