Our aim was to develop guidance for general paediatricians
and primary care physicians in diagnosing and managing
cow’s milk protein allergy in infants. The guidelines were
developed by discussion based on existing national
recommendations and standards, clinical experience and,
whenever possible, evidence from the literature. Separate
algorithms cover breast-fed and formula-fed infants. The
recommendations emphasise the importance of comprehensive
history taking and careful physical examination. Patients with
severe symptoms need to be referred to a specialist. Elimination
of cow’s milk protein from the infant’s or mother’s diet and
challenges are the gold standard for diagnosis. This guidance is
intended as a basis for local discussion, implementation and
prospective evaluation. The algorithms should be regularly
assessed using clinical audit standards. Once validated, the
diagnostic framework could provide a standardised approach
in epidemiological and therapeutic studies.