Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 23, 2026

Basophil Activation Test for Allergy Diagnosis
07:22

Basophil Activation Test for Allergy Diagnosis

Published on: May 31, 2021

Food hypersensitivity and otolaryngologic conditions in young children

Angela Paddack1, Troy Gibbons, Chandra Smith

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205, USA. acpaddack@uams.edu

Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery : Official Journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
|March 27, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) in infants is linked to upper aerodigestive and ear, nose, and throat issues. An elimination diet can significantly improve symptoms in many affected children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Pediatric Otolaryngology
  • Allergy and Immunology

Background:

  • Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) is a common concern in infants, often presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms.
  • Upper aerodigestive and otolaryngologic (ENT) disorders are frequently observed in young children, but their association with CMPA is not always clear.
  • Accurate diagnosis of CMPA in infants can be challenging due to non-specific symptoms and limited diagnostic tools.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential relationship between CMPA and common upper aerodigestive disorders in children under two years of age.
  • To assess the impact of dairy elimination on symptoms in infants with suspected CMPA and associated aerodigestive/ENT conditions.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective case-control study was conducted.
  • Data from 191 children with suspected CMPA, managed in tertiary pediatric gastroenterology and otolaryngology clinics, were reviewed over two years.
  • 101 children with sufficient follow-up data were analyzed, comparing CMPA patients with a control group.

Main Results:

  • 91% of children with CMPA and aerodigestive complaints improved symptoms after dairy elimination.
  • 27% of CMPA patients had ENT issues refractory to reflux treatment; 60% of these improved with diet.
  • CMPA patients showed significantly higher rates of otolaryngology intervention (OR, 33.78) compared to controls. Common issues included congestion and dysphagia.

Conclusions:

  • CMPA is frequently associated with otolaryngologic conditions in children under two years old.
  • Early recognition of ENT manifestations of CMPA is crucial for effective management.
  • Dietary elimination can be an effective strategy for managing CMPA-related aerodigestive and ENT symptoms in infants.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Psychophysical Tracking Method to Measure Taste Preferences in Children and Adults09:17

Psychophysical Tracking Method to Measure Taste Preferences in Children and Adults

Published on: July 16, 2016

Psychophysical Tracking Method to Assess Taste Detection Thresholds in Children, Adolescents, and Adults: The Taste Detection Threshold (TDT) Test08:52

Psychophysical Tracking Method to Assess Taste Detection Thresholds in Children, Adolescents, and Adults: The Taste Detection Threshold (TDT) Test

Published on: April 21, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Taste Buds and Receptors01:20

Taste Buds and Receptors

Gustation, or the sense of taste, is intrinsically linked to the anatomical structures located on the tongue. This organ's surface, along with the entirety of the oral cavity, is adorned with stratified squamous epithelium. Evident on the tongue are elevated structures known as papillae (singular = papilla), which house the mechanisms for the transduction of gustatory stimuli. Four distinct types of papillae exist, each identified by their unique morphological attributes: the circumvallate,...
Allergic Reactions02:06

Allergic Reactions

Overview
Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis01:30

Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction mediated by Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. When IgE binds to allergens, it triggers the release of mediators– histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins from mast cells and basophils. These mediators cause vasodilation, edema, and inflammation, leading to various symptoms.The primary allergens causing anaphylaxis include food items (e.g., peanuts, shellfish), drugs (e.g., penicillin, asparaginase, corticotropin, heparin),...
Hypersensitivities01:30

Hypersensitivities

Hypersensitivity, also known as a hypersensitivity reaction or allergic reaction, is a condition where the body's immune system reacts abnormally to a foreign substance. Such substances, that cause hypersensitivity are referred to as an allergen, could be something typically harmless to most people, like pollen or certain foods.
Types of Hypersensitivities
Hypersensitivity reactions are categorized into four types: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4. Each type has a distinct mechanism...
Allergic Drug Reactions01:27

Allergic Drug Reactions

Allergic reactions related to drugs are hypersensitivity responses driven by the immune system and bear no connection to the drug's therapeutic action. While drugs in isolation do not trigger an immune response, they can interact with endogenous proteins to form antigens. These antigens stimulate lymphocytes to produce antibodies. IgE-type antibodies attach themselves to mast cells. Upon subsequent exposure to the same stimulus, the antigen-antibody interaction is initiated, unleashing numerous...
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Delayed Hypersensitivity Reactions01:29

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Delayed Hypersensitivity Reactions

Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity (DTH), or Type IV hypersensitivity, is a cell-mediated immune response. It occurs when T cells, rather than antibodies, mediate a reaction to specific antigens. It is characterized by a delayed onset (1-2 days) and involves the recruitment of macrophages to the inflammation site.The initiation of a DTH response begins with the sensitization of T cells. During this phase, which lasts at least 1-2 weeks, antigen-specific T cells are activated, clonally expanded, and...