Expert: Mary Pat, R.N. - 10/27/2009

Question
my 9 week old baby has had severally chronic symptoms since she was brought home after she was born; these include vomiting(almost all of her milk breast and bottle), a barky cough, and nasal congestion. she has seen several doctors about this and none seem worried that these symptoms have not disappear or improved. she was put on meds for reflux, but still vomit(admittedly not as much). however her cough and congestion is still there. my question is, is this signs of a possible milk allergy, some illness, or is it normal???

Answer
Dear Julia:

Milk allergy may cause congestion and vomiting from gagging on mucous.  She could also have gastroesophageal reflux of a more severe degree which she will eventually outgrow.  Why not ask her doctor to try a soy based formula rather than a milk based formula and observe her for improvement in her symptoms.  

Mary Pat