title: [Food allergy in children: a diagnostic challenge].
abstract: Food allergy in children has increased unexpectedly during the last decades and is now the leading cause of anaphylaxis in Europe. The impact on quality of life is significant; a reliable diagnosis is therefore of critical importance. The diagnostic approach includes an initial clinical evaluation followed by allergy testing (in vivo and/or in vitro). Determination of molecular allergens (recombinants) has emerged as a complementary tool in the diagnosis of food allergy allowing a better prediction of systemic reactions and identifying markers of persistence or resolution. With recent developments, a more proactive approach is being adopted, which includes oral food challenges in order to avoid unnecessary exclusions.
authors.forename: Samuel
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Roethlisberger
authors.forename: François
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Spertini
mesh_terms: D000485:Allergens / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002648:Child; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D012882:Skin Tests
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens