[Food allergies and pseudo-allergies--mechanism, clinical aspects and diagnosis]

Allergic and pseudoallergic reactions caused by foods respectively food-additives present cutaneous (urticaria, erythrodermia), gastrointestinal (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea) and respiratory symptoms (allergic bronchial asthma). The anaphylactic shock is the most severe manifestation. Exact diagnosis is based on anamnesis, skin-tests, laboratory investigations, dietetic test procedures and oral provocation. In allergic and pseudoallergic reactions the adequate therapy is the avoidance of the causative agent (diet).