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Chapter-15 Food Allergies and Intolerances

BOOK TITLE: Basic Pediatric Nutrition

Author
1. Sharma Madhu
ISBN
9788184485547
DOI
10.5005/jp/books/10077_15
Edition
1/e
Publishing Year
2009
Pages
12
Author Affiliations
1. PGI Chandigarh, India, Advanced Pediatric Center, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
Chapter keywords

Abstract

Food allergies are mediated by IgE antibody directed to specific food proteins. Common foods triggering allergies in children are eggs, meat milk, soya, fish and peanuts. These allergies may be toxic or nontoxic depending upon the individual susceptibility. Symptoms of IgE mediated reactions typically involve the skin, respiratory system and the gastrointestinal tract. Examples of skin manifestations are dermatitis herpetiformis, typically associated with gluten sensitive enteropathy. Respiratory manifestations of allergies are commonly caused by eggs, meat, milk, soy, fish and shell fish. Asthma is a typical example of this manifestation commonly seen in children. Diagnosis of food allergy can be done by elimination diet, oral food challenges and prick puncture skin testing. Some of the allergies are termed based on their presentation like oral allergy syndrome, Chinese Restaurant syndrome, sulphite sensitivity, auriculotemporal syndrome, anaphylaxis etc. Treatment and management involves avoiding the offending food. Emergency medical management may require prompt injectable epinephrine and oral histamine, which should always be ready at hand. It is important to recognize allergies by visible signs and symptoms or at times through indirect feelers which can act as warning signals for parents and care takers.

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