The pediatrician's role in the diagnosis and management of food allergy

Pediatr Ann. 2013 Jul;42(7):116-21. doi: 10.3928/00904481-20130619-08.

Abstract

CME EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES 1. Recognize the signs and symptoms of food allergy versus food intolerance. 2. Review currently available diagnostic testing modalities for food allergy and their applicability in the pediatric outpatient setting. 3. Review appropriate management practices for pediatricians, including prescription of medications, counseling of families, and referrals to keep children safe. Food allergy is a rapidly increasing and potentially life-threatening health concern in the United States. Given the ubiquity of food in our society and the absence of a cure, it is crucial that families receive proper guidance and medication to keep children safe. The pediatrician plays a key role to this end as he or she is often the first, and sometimes the only physician, these children can access. Accordingly, pediatricians must be equipped to recognize, manage, and evaluate food allergies over time while preventing unnecessary avoidance. This review provides practical translation of guidelines into recommended practices that are most pertinent to pediatricians.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / therapeutic use
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Diet Therapy
  • Directive Counseling
  • Epinephrine / therapeutic use
  • Food Hypersensitivity* / blood
  • Food Hypersensitivity* / diagnosis
  • Food Hypersensitivity* / therapy
  • Histamine Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin E / blood
  • Pediatrics*
  • Physician's Role*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Referral and Consultation
  • Skin Tests

Substances

  • Adrenergic alpha-Agonists
  • Biomarkers
  • Histamine Antagonists
  • Immunoglobulin E
  • Epinephrine