Latest approaches to the diagnosis and management of food allergies in children
Ali, R.; Ali, S.; Saeed, S.Arshad.; Khan, A.; Mustafa, M.; Aleem, S.
Jpma. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association 55(10): 458-462
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0030-9982 PMID: 16304860 Document Number: 256791
Food allergy is a challenge for physicians. As the prevalence of this condition increases, it is important that paediatricians and other health care professionals accurately diagnose this condition. This paper discusses the importance of taking patient's clinical history and of performing physical examination in the diagnosis of food allergies. Current diagnostic techniques (e.g., skin testing, in vitro testing, food challenges, and elimination diet method) available for doctors and patients are described, along with several management options. Over the last decade, there have been major improvement in this field, and novel mechanisms have been proposed to efficiently modulate immune mechanisms involved. Although results are only preliminary, they indicate a promising future for patients with food allergies.