IgE-Mediated Food Allergy: Current Management

Abstract Food allergy affects 4–8 % of children, and it appears to be increasingly common. The prevalence of peanut allergy has increased in the US and internationally. Pediatricians are on the front lines of providing patient care, so disseminating guidelines and current information regarding appropriate evaluation and principles of management to them is critically important. The approach to the patient with suspected food allergy requires a detailed medical history. In vitro testing is widely available but should be ordered judiciously. Using the history to guide testing can help avoid potential pitfalls of food allergy testing, which is characterized by high false-positive rates. Component-resolved diagnostics represent a new and emerging area. Currently, this modality is most useful for peanut allergy, though further study regarding interpretation of these tests is needed. Management involves complete dietary restriction in most cases, but because accidental reactions do occur, education and emergency preparedness to treat reactions are also essential.
Source: Current Pediatrics Reports - Category: Pediatrics Source Type: research