Management of gastrointestinal food allergy in childhood

Gastrointestinal food allergy in childhood is characterised by onset of gastrointestinal symptoms following food ingestion where the underlying mechanism is an immunologically mediated reaction within gastrointestinal tract. Presentation may be quick, slow or quick and slow after food ingestion. Diagnosis depends on response to food elimination, response to food challenge and analysis of response to food elimination. Management centres upon an elimination diet, the need for this is temporary. Cow's milk protein hydrolysates or amino acid formulae are preferred to soy formulae.