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Food allergy. Manifestations, evaluation, and management
1Clinical Immunology and Allergy Units, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114.
Postgraduate Medicine
|February 1, 1993
Summary
Food allergies, affecting both children and adults, can cause various symptoms. Key management involves identifying trigger foods like eggs, milk, or nuts and avoiding them, with medication for acute reactions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
- Allergology
Background:
- Food allergies are prevalent in infants and children, but also affect adults.
- Common food allergens include eggs, cow's milk, nuts, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish.
- Reactions range from gastrointestinal and dermatologic symptoms to respiratory issues and life-threatening anaphylaxis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the common food allergens, clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, and management strategies for food allergies.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical presentation and diagnostic approaches for food allergies.
- Discussion of management strategies, including allergen avoidance and acute reaction treatment.
Main Results:
- Identified common food allergens and a spectrum of associated symptoms.
- Outlined diagnostic tools such as skin testing and oral food challenges.
- Emphasized allergen avoidance as the primary treatment.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of food allergies hinges on accurate diagnosis and strict avoidance of causative foods.
- Prompt treatment with antihistamines or epinephrine is crucial for managing acute allergic reactions.