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Food Allergy in Children: An Overview

  • Review Article
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The Indian Journal of Pediatrics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The estimated prevalence of food allergy amongst children in the west is around 6–8% but there is paucity of data in the Indian population. There is a complex interplay of environmental influences and genetic factors in the immuno-pathogenesis and manifestations of food allergy. A reliable thorough clinical history, combined with positive skin prick tests or food-specific IgE, is essential for a more precise diagnosis of food allergy. Currently there is no cure for food allergy. The management of food allergy usually includes strict avoidance, patient education and provision of emergency medication (adrenaline-autoinjectors). Emerging therapies based on evolving research are focused on a more active approach to management which includes early introduction of potentially allergenic foods, anticipatory testing and desensitisation to food allergens. Lack of food labelling policy and non availability of adrenaline auto-injectors is a huge limiting factor for effective management of food allergy among children in India. The present review focuses on IgE mediated food allergy.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore, India

    Jaidev M. Devdas

  2. Department of Pediatrics, Sunderland Royal Hospital, Sunderland, UK

    Christopher Mckie

  3. Department of Pediatric Allergy, Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital, London, UK

    Adam T. Fox

  4. Department of Pediatrics, Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubballi, Karnataka, 580021, India

    Vinod H. Ratageri

Authors
  1. Jaidev M. Devdas
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  2. Christopher Mckie
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  3. Adam T. Fox
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  4. Vinod H. Ratageri
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Contributions

JMD: Designed, reviewed the literature, wrote the manuscript; CM: Reviewed the literature and helped in writing the manuscript; ATF: Helped in designing and critically reviewed the manuscript; VHR: Helped in designing, review and will act as guarantor for the paper.

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Correspondence to Vinod H. Ratageri.

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Devdas, J.M., Mckie, C., Fox, A.T. et al. Food Allergy in Children: An Overview. Indian J Pediatr 85, 369–374 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-017-2535-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-017-2535-6

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