Allergy and Asthma: Food Allergies. 2018

Raj Mehta
Florida Hospital Family Medicine Residency, 133 Benmore Drive, Winter Park, FL 32792.

Food allergies are immune-mediated allergic adverse reactions that occur after exposure to specific foods. The most commonly recognized food allergies are immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated reactions (eg, urticaria, angioedema, anaphylaxis) that result from exposure to milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, wheat, or soy. However, other foods can cause food allergies. Oral allergy syndrome is a common but underrecognized condition characterized by transient oropharyngeal symptoms that result from ingestion of uncooked fruits or vegetables. Non-IgE-mediated food allergies manifest with more delayed symptoms than IgE-mediated food allergies, and predominately cause gastrointestinal symptoms. Food allergies often are overreported because they may be confused with food intolerances or nonimmunologic adverse food reactions (eg, lactose intolerance, food poisoning, caffeine intolerance). Food allergies are diagnosed using IgE skin tests, IgE serum tests, or oral food challenge tests. These allergies are best managed by avoidance of the food or foods related to the allergy because they require ingestion rather than contact to precipitate symptoms. Injectable epinephrine should be prescribed for patients at risk of anaphylaxis. Careful food label reading and food preparation, awareness, and education are keys to prevention.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007073 Immunoglobulin E An immunoglobulin associated with MAST CELLS. Overexpression has been associated with allergic hypersensitivity (HYPERSENSITIVITY, IMMEDIATE). IgE
D011634 Public Health Branch of medicine concerned with the prevention and control of disease and disability, and the promotion of physical and mental health of the population on the international, national, state, or municipal level. Community Health,Environment, Preventive Medicine & Public Health,Environment, Preventive Medicine and Public Health,Health, Community,Health, Public
D005512 Food Hypersensitivity Gastrointestinal disturbances, skin eruptions, or shock due to allergic reactions to allergens in food. Allergy, Food,Food Allergy,Hypersensitivity, Food,Allergies, Food,Food Allergies,Food Hypersensitivities,Hypersensitivities, Food
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man

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