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Adverse reactions to foods
Anna Nowak-Wegrzyn1, Hugh A Sampson
1Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA.
The Medical Clinics of North America
|November 29, 2005
Summary
Food allergy prevalence has doubled, with increased diversity in symptoms. Diagnosis relies on IgE tests and oral food challenges, while management focuses on avoidance and prompt treatment.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Allergy and Immunology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Food allergy involves immune reactions to foods, with IgE-mediated, cell-mediated, and mixed mechanisms.
- Prevalence has doubled in Western societies over 20 years, with increased phenotypic diversity.
- Key food allergens are identified, guiding diagnostic and management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current understanding of food allergy diagnosis and management.
- To highlight advancements in diagnostic testing and potential therapies.
- To provide an overview of the evolving landscape of food allergy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of IgE-mediated and cell-mediated food allergies.
- Analysis of diagnostic standards, including IgE antibody detection and Oral Food Challenge (OFC).
- Examination of current management strategies and emerging therapeutic options.
Main Results:
- Laboratory diagnosis often uses food-specific IgE antibody detection.
- Novel diagnostic approaches for T-cell-mediated disorders and tolerance prediction are emerging.
- Oral Food Challenge (OFC) remains the gold standard for food allergy diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Food allergy management involves food avoidance, nutritional support, and acute reaction treatment.
- Anti-IgE monoclonal antibody represents a promising new therapeutic avenue currently in clinical trials.
- Continued research is vital for improved diagnostics and treatments for food allergies.