FOOD ALLERGY

1. Might manifest as asthma, anaphylaxis, rhinitis, eczema, or with GI symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and bloating. Or as dermatitis especially in children.
2. Common allergens in the Indian context are eggs, dal, meat, nuts, dry fruits, cooking oils, citrus fruits, coconut., food additives like colouring, and preservatives.
3. True food allergy is to be distinguished from food intolerance or allergy to a food -additive that may manifest with idiosynchratic, metabolic, toxic or pharmacologic responses.
4. Skin prick tests are useful in detecting the causative allergen. The best way is to do a placebo controlled challenge with the incriminated food item, in a hospital setting.

MANAGEMENT

Avoidance of the allergenic food is the best form of therapy. Antihistamines, especially cetrizine, found to be helpful.