Food allergies

• What are some risk factors for food allergies?

  Family history

  Atopic dermatitis

  Presence of other allergic disease
• When do you get symptoms of food allergies?


  Within 20 mins of ingestion
• What are food allergies?

  Immune mediated response to food proteins
• What mediates food allergies?

  IgE
• What are some signs and symptoms of food allergies?

  Nausea

  Vomiting

  Diarrhoea

  Flushing/urticaria/angio-oedema

  Abnormal breathing sounds

  Breathing difficulties
• How are food allergies investigated?


  Skin prick test

  In vitro IgE immunoassay
• How are food allergies managed conservatively?


  Patient education on trigger avoidance and managing reactions
• How are food allergies managed medically?

  Antihistamine

  H2 antagonist

  Bronchodilator