title: [Food allergies in children: which diet?].
abstract: Food allergies are very frequent in children (between 4 and 8% of population). There are many clinical manifestations, that can be lifethreatening. In children, compared to adults, a limited number of food allergens are responsible for the disease: egg, cow milk, peanuts, nuts (hazelnut, nut, ...), fish, cereals, exotic fuits, and soya. Eviction of the offending food is the first treatment of allergy. This eviction diet is sometimes difficult to organize and can alter the quality of life (child and family). Diagnosis must be well established; sensitivity to an allergen must be differenciated from real allergy. This can lead to perform a provocation test (oral challenge) in the hospital. It is now proposed that the eviction diet will be less strict than before, adapted according to the allergen, symptoms in each case, age of patient and ideally to the reacted dose of the offending allergen. A collaboration with a dietist is necessary to optimalize the nutritionnal schedule. Induction of oral tolerance seems to be an interesting optional treatment for patients presenting persistant food allergy.
authors.affiliation: Service de Pneumologie-Allergologie, H.U.D.E.R.F., Bruxelles. sandra.mulier@huderf.be
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mulier
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Casimir
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D002648:Child; D015362:Child Nutrition Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D002755:Choice Behavior / Q000502:physiology; D004032:Diet / Q000009:adverse effects; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D005515:Food Labeling / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans