Diagnosis of Food Allergy

Abstract

The prevalence of food allergies has been on the increase over the last 2 decades. Diagnosing food allergies can be complicated, as there are multiple types that have distinct clinical and immunologic features. Food allergies are broadly classified into immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated, non-IgE-mediated, or mixed food allergic reactions. This review focuses on the clinical manifestations of the different categories of food allergies and the different tests available to guide the clinician toward an accurate diagnosis.

Keywords: Component testing; Elimination diets; Food allergy; IgE-mediated; Non–IgE-mediated; Oral food challenge; Skin-prick testing.