2. Food Allergy Flashcards
What is an allergen?
Any substance stimulating the production of IgE or a cellular immune response
Usually a protein but can be carbohydrates
What is sensitisation?
Production of IgE antibodies after repeated exposure to an allergen
What is an allergy?
A hypersensitivity reaction initiated by specific immunological mechanisms
This can be IgE mediated or non IgE mediated
When does a cows milk allergy present by?
12 months of age
What are the 2 types of presentation of milk allergy?
Immediate-onset IgE mediated
Delayed-onset non-IgE mediated
What is the presentation of IgE mediated food allergy?
Skin - pruritus, erythema, urticaria, angioedema
GI - angioedema of lips, tongue, palate, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
Resp - blocked/runny nose, sneeze, itch, wheeze, cough
CVS - pallor, drowsy, hypotensive
What is the presentation in non-IgE mediated food allergy?
Skin - pruritus, eczema, atopic eczema
GI - food refusal/aversion, abdo pain, GORD, loose or frequent stools, constipation, perianal redness, pallor and tiredness
What is pollen food syndrome?
Pruritus and mild oedema confined to the oral cavity, uncommonly progressing
Associated with hay fever (raw fruit and vegetables)
What is proctocolitis?
Passage of bright red blood in mucousy stools in otherwise asymptomatic infants
non-IgE mediated food allergy - milk through breast feeding
What is enterocolitis?
Multiple and varying GI symptoms including feed refusal, persistent vomiting, abdominal cramps, loose and frequent stools and constipation
Non-IgE mediated food allergy - milk, eggs, wheat
What is eosinophilia oesophagitis?
Symtpoms from oesophageal inflammation and scarring of feeding disorders, reflux symptoms, vomiting, dysphagia and food impaction
Non-IgE mediated - milk, eggs, wheat
What is food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome in non-IgE mediated food allergy?
Primarily affects infants
Profuse vomiting leading to pallor, lethargy and possible shock
Milk, soya, rice, wheat, meat
