Ralf G Heine1. 1. Department of Allergy, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. ralf.heine@rch.org.au
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review assesses the role of food allergy in the pathophysiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease, colic and constipation in infancy. RECENT FINDINGS: Frequent regurgitation, persistent crying and constipation are common clinical problems in infancy. A subgroup of infants with these conditions may respond to hypoallergenic diets, but only few randomized clinical trials have been conducted. Skin prick testing and food-specific antibody levels are usually not elevated in these infants, whereas atopy patch testing may diagnostic. The mechanisms by which cow's milk and other food allergens induce gastrointestinal motility disorders are not understood. Apart from cell-mediated reactions, non-immunological effects of food constituents on gastrointestinal motility and gut microbiota may be involved in the pathogenesis. In the absence of reliable diagnostic tests, dietary elimination and re-challenge are usually required to confirm food allergy. A trial of amino acid-based formula or an oligoantigenic maternal elimination diet may be indicated in infants who have failed conventional medical treatment. SUMMARY: Food allergy may contribute to gastroesophageal reflux disease, colic or constipation in infancy. Infants with these conditions often respond to hypoallergenic formula or a maternal elimination diet. Further research is needed to define the mechanisms and clinical markers of gastrointestinal food allergy in infancy.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review assesses the role of food allergy in the pathophysiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease, colic and constipation in infancy. RECENT FINDINGS: Frequent regurgitation, persistent crying and constipation are common clinical problems in infancy. A subgroup of infants with these conditions may respond to hypoallergenic diets, but only few randomized clinical trials have been conducted. Skin prick testing and food-specific antibody levels are usually not elevated in these infants, whereas atopy patch testing may diagnostic. The mechanisms by which cow's milk and other food allergens induce gastrointestinal motility disorders are not understood. Apart from cell-mediated reactions, non-immunological effects of food constituents on gastrointestinal motility and gut microbiota may be involved in the pathogenesis. In the absence of reliable diagnostic tests, dietary elimination and re-challenge are usually required to confirm food allergy. A trial of amino acid-based formula or an oligoantigenic maternal elimination diet may be indicated in infants who have failed conventional medical treatment. SUMMARY:Food allergy may contribute to gastroesophageal reflux disease, colic or constipation in infancy. Infants with these conditions often respond to hypoallergenic formula or a maternal elimination diet. Further research is needed to define the mechanisms and clinical markers of gastrointestinal food allergy in infancy.
Authors: Alessandro Fiocchi; Jan Brozek; Holger Schünemann; Sami L Bahna; Andrea von Berg; Kirsten Beyer; Martin Bozzola; Julia Bradsher; Enrico Compalati; Motohiro Ebisawa; Maria Antonieta Guzman; Haiqi Li; Ralf G Heine; Paul Keith; Gideon Lack; Massimo Landi; Alberto Martelli; Fabienne Rancé; Hugh Sampson; Airton Stein; Luigi Terracciano; Stefan Vieths Journal: World Allergy Organ J Date: 2010-04-23 Impact factor: 4.084
Authors: Adriana C Lozinsky; Rosan Meyer; Katherine Anagnostou; Robert Dziubak; Kate Reeve; Heather Godwin; Adam T Fox; Neil Shah Journal: Children (Basel) Date: 2015-07-21
Authors: Rosan Meyer; Catharine Fleming; Gloria Dominguez-Ortega; Keith Lindley; Louise Michaelis; Nikhil Thapar; Mamoun Elawad; Vijay Chakravarti; Adam T Fox; Neil Shah Journal: World Allergy Organ J Date: 2013-08-06 Impact factor: 4.084