Clinical presentations of food allergy

Pediatr Clin North Am. 2011 Apr;58(2):315-26, ix. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2011.02.008.

Abstract

Food allergies are immune-mediated responses to food proteins. Because of differences in the underlying immunologic mechanisms, there are varying clinical presentations of food allergy. This article discusses the manifestations of IgE-mediated disorders, including urticaria and angioedema, rhinoconjunctivitis, asthma, gastrointestinal anaphylaxis, generalized anaphylaxis, food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis, and oral allergy syndrome. It also reviews the presentations of mixed IgE- and cell-mediated disorders, including atopic dermatitis and eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders. Finally, the manifestations of cell-mediated food allergies are discussed, including dietary protein-induced proctitis and proctocolitis, food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome, celiac disease, and food-induced pulmonary hemosiderosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Dietary Proteins / immunology
  • Food Hypersensitivity / classification*
  • Food Hypersensitivity / diagnosis*
  • Food Hypersensitivity / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immune System / immunology
  • Immune Tolerance / immunology
  • Immunity, Mucosal / immunology
  • Immunoglobulin E / immunology*

Substances

  • Dietary Proteins
  • Immunoglobulin E