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Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology
2006 October, Vol. IX, No. 1 (3288-3298)
MODERN DIAGNOSIS OF FOOD ALLERGY: ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
Odilija Rudzeviciene
Vilnius University Clinic of Children's Diseases
Recently food allergy became an important allergological problem. Diagnosis of food allergy is confusing. Modern diagnostic methods of food allergy, their advantages and disadvantages are reviewed in the article. Skin prick (prick-prick) tests and food specific serum IgE help to diagnose IgE mediated food allergy. Skin patch tests with food allergens may be helpful, especially in case of late-phase clinical reactions, negative skin prick tests or specific IgE. All diagnostic procedures can be performed in children of different age. Anamnesis, skin tests and food specific serum IgE allow to prescribe specific elimination diet. While a patient is maintaining an elimination diet, symptoms must disappear or significantly decrease. Finally food allergy is confirmed by standardized oral food challenges. Double blind placebo controlled food challenge still represent the gold standard for diagnosing food allergy in scientific studies and clinical practice.