PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To give an update about the optimal diagnostic work-up for children with suspected food allergy. RECENT FINDINGS: Food allergy has become a very severe health problem not only for many children and parents, but also for the entire medical and paramedical community. The financial and social costs related to these conditions are increasing, but, contemporarily, basic and clinical research are deeply involved in the search of possible solutions to facilitate the management of these patients. SUMMARY: Food allergy is defined as an abnormal immunological reaction to food proteins, which causes an adverse clinical reaction. Over 90% of food allergies in childhood are caused by eight foods: cow's milk, hen's egg, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, fish and shellfish. The evaluation of a child with suspected food allergy includes detailed medical history, physical examination, screening tests and response to elimination diet and to oral food challenge. None of the screening tests, alone or in combination, can definitely diagnose or exclude it. The main principle of food allergy management is avoidance of the offending antigen. An incorrect diagnosis is likely to result in unnecessary dietary restrictions, which, if prolonged, may adversely affect the child's nutritional status and growth.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To give an update about the optimal diagnostic work-up for children with suspected food allergy. RECENT FINDINGS:Food allergy has become a very severe health problem not only for many children and parents, but also for the entire medical and paramedical community. The financial and social costs related to these conditions are increasing, but, contemporarily, basic and clinical research are deeply involved in the search of possible solutions to facilitate the management of these patients. SUMMARY:Food allergy is defined as an abnormal immunological reaction to food proteins, which causes an adverse clinical reaction. Over 90% of food allergies in childhood are caused by eight foods: cow's milk, hen's egg, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, fish and shellfish. The evaluation of a child with suspected food allergy includes detailed medical history, physical examination, screening tests and response to elimination diet and to oral food challenge. None of the screening tests, alone or in combination, can definitely diagnose or exclude it. The main principle of food allergy management is avoidance of the offending antigen. An incorrect diagnosis is likely to result in unnecessary dietary restrictions, which, if prolonged, may adversely affect the child's nutritional status and growth.
Authors: Jihyun Kim; Hye Young Kim; Mi Ran Park; Jaehee Choi; Ji Yeon Shim; Min Ji Kim; Youngshin Han; Kangmo Ahn Journal: Allergy Asthma Immunol Res Date: 2015-03-06 Impact factor: 5.764
Authors: Moustafa A El-Hodhod; Mortada H F El-Shabrawi; Ahmed AlBadi; Ahmed Hussein; Ali Almehaidib; Basil Nasrallah; Ebtsam Mohammed AlBassam; Hala El Feghali; Hasan M Isa; Khaled Al Saraf; Maroun Sokhn; Mehdi Adeli; Najwa Mohammed Mousa Al-Sawi; Pierre Hage; Suleiman Al-Hammadi Journal: World J Pediatr Date: 2021-11-24 Impact factor: 9.186