What is Heiner Syndrome?

The Heiner syndrome is a cow's milk allergy reaction in the lungs with the symptoms of anemia, persistent lung inflammation (e.g. asthma) and infection (e.g. bronchitis). Blood tests show an inflammatory reaction and presence of large numbers of inflammatory cells, and a chest x-ray may be abnormal. Patients must avoid dairy products and lung symptoms are treated. Serious lung infections and permanent scarring of lungs may occur. In most patients reasonable control is possible, but no cure exists.