Food allergy in adults.
BACKGROUND
There is a marked increase in the prevalence of food allergies. Food allergy can cause fatal anaphylaxis and the victims are most often adolescents and young adults.


OBJECTIVE
This article focuses on IgE mediated food allergy and provides a review of the diagnostic and management strategies for food allergy, including a treatment algorithm for anaphylaxis. The role of the general practitioner in food allergy, when to refer to an allergist, and how to support patients with food allergies long term, including survival tips for patients with food allergy, are also discussed.


CONCLUSIONS
The key management of food allergy is allergen avoidance informed by accurate allergy diagnosis. Inadvertent exposure to food triggers unfortunately does occur and patients need to be confident in prompt self management. Adrenaline must be given for all potentially life threatening food allergy reactions. Anaphylaxis action plans and optimal asthma control are also critical management objectives.
Wrobel
Jeremy P
JP
Department of Allergy, Immunology and Respiratory Medicine, Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria. j.wrobel@alfred.org.au
O'Hehir
Robyn E
RE
Douglass
Jo A
JA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005502:Food / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007159:Immunologic Tests; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010819:Physician's Role; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012306:Risk
D000485:Allergens; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D004837:Epinephrine