Cow milk allergens are the first antigens children have contact with. The symptoms, which are frequently multi-systemic, may be related to the gastrointestinal tract, to the skin and, more rarely, to the respiratory tract. Objective: To describe some clinic and epidemiological characteristics of children who have cow milk allergy and present respiratory symptoms. Patients and method: This retrospective study included 17 children who presented respiratory problems immediately after ingesting cow milk, showed no symptoms as cow milk was excluded from their diets for a period of 4 to 6 weeks, and presented recurrent symptoms as cow milk was reintroduced into their diet in a hospital environment. Results: No difference was observed between genders. Family atopic antecedents were present in 14 of the 17 children. Mean exclusive breast-feeding period was 2.9 months and the onset of symptoms occurred at an average of 3.6 months. Eight of the ten tests conducted to evaluate immediate cutaneous hypersensitivity to cow milk were positive. Clinical manifestations observed were: wheezing infants (9), asthma (5), repetition otitis (2), selective IgA deficiency related to wheezing and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (1). Conclusion: Regarding wheezing infants, cow milk allergy should be included as a differential diagnosis and exclusive breast-feeding should be stimulated in cases of atopic family antecedents. However, a precise diagnosis is vital to prevent unnecessary food deprivation.

Keywords: Milk hipersensitivity. Milk substitutes. Respiratory signs and symptoms. Respiratory diseases.