title: Food allergy and the respiratory tract.
abstract: Previous studies have confirmed that IgE-mediated, food allergy-induced respiratory tract symptoms occur, typically accompanied by cutaneous or gastrointestinal symptoms. The possibility that respiratory tract symptoms are food allergy induced should be considered in patients who have a current or past history of one or more of the following: atopic dermatitis, wheezing (or experiencing anaphylactic symptoms) after ingesting a particular food or foods, and confirmed food allergy. Moreover, the work-up of food allergy in asthma should be considered in patients in whom asthma is poorly controlled despite persistent use of appropriate asthma medications. A definitive diagnosis of food allergy should be based on clinical history, appropriate laboratory testing, and, when indicated, well-controlled oral food challenges. Treatment is based on establishing a safe elimination diet and an emergency plan for managing reactions caused by accidental ingestion.
authors.affiliation: Colorado Allergy and Asthma Centers, PC, 1136 East Stuart Street, Suite #3200, Fort Collins, CO 80525, USA. jamesftco@earthlink.net
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: James
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D012130:Respiratory Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology*