INFANTILE ANOREXIA

Infantile anorexia is a feeding disorder that has its onset around six to nine months.1,2 It is characterised by extreme food refusal and apparent lack of appetite, leading to failure to thrive (poor weight gain).1,2

Infantile anorexia therefore carries significant developmental risks for the child, including growth deficiency, which are particularly dangerous for a growing baby.1,2

Infantile anorexia as a symptom of Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy

Infantile anorexia may be the result of refusal to eat following an aversion to, or a traumatic event associated with the ingestion of a certain food, e.g. cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA).3


Signs and symptoms related to CMPA

The majority of infants affected with CMPA have at least two symptoms affecting at least two different organ systems.4,5

anorexia

Having an awareness of the most common symptoms of CMPA can help you to make an earlier diagnosis of CMPA in your patients.

 

CoMiSS® awareness tool


The Cow’s Milk-related Symptom Score (CoMiSS)® is a simple, fast and easy-to-use awareness tool designed to help you more easily recognise the signs and symptoms that can be cow’s milk-related in infants and young children.


CoMiSS® awareness tool is available in print and online version
If you suspect your patient is suffering from symptoms that may be suggestive of CMPA, use the CoMiSS® tool to score and assess the likelihood of CMPA.

OTHER SYMPTOMS OF COW'S MILK PROTEIN ALLERGY

References

1.    Chatoor I. J Am Acad Psychoanal. 1989;17(1):43–64

2.    Chatoor I., et al. Pediatrics.2004;113(5):e440–7

3.    Steinberg C. BCMJ. 2007; 49(4):183–6

4.    Lifschitz C. and Szajewska H Eur J Pediatr. 2015;174:141–50

5.    Høst A. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 1994;5:1–36

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Mothers should be encouraged to continue breastfeeding even when their babies have cow’s milk protein allergy. This usually requires qualified dietary counseling to completely exclude all sources of cow’s milk protein from the mothers’ diet. If a decision to use a special formula intended for infants is taken, it is important to follow the instructions on the label. Unboiled water, unboiled bottles or incorrect dilution can make babies ill. Incorrect storage, handling, preparation and feeding can eventually lead to adverse effects on the health of babies. Formula for special medical purposes intended for infants must be used under medical supervision.