title: Food and environmental allergies.
abstract: Immunoglobulin E-mediated allergic responses to food and environmental allergens can cause symptoms ranging from mild allergic rhinitis and rashes to gastrointestinal distress and, most seriously, anaphylaxis. The diagnosis can be difficult, as it relies on complex interplay between patient history and diagnostic tests with low specificity. Adding to the difficulty in confirming the diagnosis is an increased public interest in food intolerances, which can be inappropriately attributed to an allergic response. Treatment of allergic diseases with avoidance strategies and pharmacologic treatments can improve quality of life and control of other chronic conditions, such as asthma and eczema.
authors: Department of Community and Family Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2301 Charlotte Street, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA. Electronic address: Miranda.huffman@tmcmed.org.
authors: Miranda M
authors: MM
authors: Huffman
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004777:Environment; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D006633:Histamine Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011788:Quality of Life; D065631:Rhinitis, Allergic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D012648:Self Care
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D006633:Histamine Antagonists; D004837:Epinephrine
keywords: Atopic disease; Environmental allergies; Food allergies; IgE-mediated reactions; Immunotherapy