Oral Food Challenges & Relationship to Allergen-Specific IgE Levels

Diagnosis of food hypersensitivity is a clinical challenge and the only current definitive test is the Double Blind Placebo-Controlled Food Challenges. Although the Double Blind Placebo-Controlled Food Challenges is the current gold standard, it is difficult to perform and is very time-consuming. Hence, researchers are continually evaluating new tests and assessing the value of the available serum tests. (more…)

Atopy Patch Test Accuracy in Diagnosing Hypersensitivity to Cow’s Milk & Hen’s Egg

Over the last 5 years some studies have suggested that the atopy patch test (APT) may be a useful test in atopic dermatitis children who have suspected food hypersensitivity and may even obviate the need for oral challenges. An alternative test to oral allergy challenges with high sensitivity and specificity would be helpful in the diagnosis of food hypersensitivity. (more…)

Food Eating Challenges In Children: Challenge Materials For Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled

The food eating challenges materials used at different centers vary considerably. Some centers use freeze-dried foods, some use concentrated foods masked in other foods or capsules, and some use freshly prepared foods. This study aimed to develop and validate a number of recipes for Double Blind Placebo Control Food Challenges in Children. Common allergenic foods, cow’s milk, egg, soy, peanut, hazelnut and wheat were used where possible in their usual edible form. (more…)

Food Hypersensitivity, Adverse Reactions to Foods & Food Avoidance Among Teenagers

This population-based cross-sectional study, funded by a UK government agency, aimed to establish the rate of sensitization to food allergens, reported food hypersensitivity, food avoidance and objectively assessed food hypersensitivity in 11- and 15-year-olds living on the Isle of Wight, UK. The researchers approached the teenagers via their schools, and a questionnaire completed by the parents and children formed the basis of capturing data to determine the prevalence of current reported food hypersensitivity and rates of food avoidance. This information was available on 775 individuals aged 11 years and 757 aged 15 years. (more…)

Food Allergy Definition Terms

food allergy definition
It will be helpful for you to have some understanding of the terms that are currently being used by practitioners in the field of allergy so that you can understand the medical literature as you search for information on your child’s allergy. Understanding the terms will also pave the way for our discussion of why your child has allergies and what is happening in his or her body when an allergic reaction is occurring. (more…)