Food Allergy Flashcards
What are the major allergenic foods for children and adults?
Children: milk, egg, soy, wheat, peanut, tree nuts. Adults: peanut, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, fruits, and vegetables.
What are the key risk factors for developing food allergies?
Genetic susceptibility, family history of atopy or food allergy, atopic dermatitis, transdermal food exposure.
What is the most common cause of anaphylaxis in the emergency department?
Food allergy.
What are the clinical features of fatal food anaphylaxis?
Biphasic reaction, respiratory symptoms, absence of cutaneous symptoms, underlying asthma, symptom denial, previous severe reaction, adolescents and young adults, known food allergen.
What are the common symptoms of Oral Allergy Syndrome?
Rapid onset oral pruritus, rarely progressive.
What are the common respiratory responses to food allergies?
Rhinoconjunctivitis, laryngeal edema, asthma.
What are the types of adverse food reactions?
IgE-mediated, non-IgE mediated, cell-mediated.
What are the common cutaneous reactions to food allergies?
Acute urticaria/angioedema, contact urticaria, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis.
What is Pollen-Food Syndrome or Oral Allergy Syndrome?
A condition where individuals allergic to pollen experience allergic reactions to certain fruits due to cross-reactive IgE.
What are the characteristics of food-induced anaphylaxis?
Rapid-onset, potentially fatal, may be localized or generalized, highest risk with peanut, tree nut, seafood, cow’s milk, and egg in young children.
What are some common hidden ingredients that can cause allergic reactions in restaurants or homes?
Peanut in sauces and egg rolls.
What are the major allergens in Pollen-Food Syndrome?
Raw fruits and vegetables, profilins, and pathogenesis-related proteins.
What is Latex-Fruit Syndrome?
A condition where individuals with latex allergy are sensitive to certain fruits due to cross-reactive IgE.
What is a major issue with food labeling that can affect people with allergies?
Changes, errors, and vague terms like ‘spices’.
What is the primary treatment for anaphylaxis?
Epinephrine.
What percentage of latex-allergic individuals are sensitive to some fruits?
30-50%.
Why is it important to seek medical care immediately after administering epinephrine?
To ensure proper follow-up and management of the allergic reaction.
What role do antihistamines play in the treatment of anaphylaxis?
They are secondary therapy and will not stop anaphylaxis.
Which fruits are most commonly associated with Latex-Fruit Syndrome?
Banana, avocado, kiwi, and chestnut.
What is the public perception of food allergy prevalence?
20-25%.
Why should patients with severe allergies have a written Anaphylaxis Emergency Action Plan?
To ensure quick and effective response during an emergency.
What is the confirmed prevalence of food allergies in adults?
2-3.5%.
What should be done immediately after administering epinephrine during an anaphylactic reaction?
Activate EMS by calling 911.
What is the confirmed prevalence of food allergies in infants and young children?
6-8%.
Why is it important to periodically re-evaluate for tolerance in food allergies?
To monitor for the development of tolerance and adjust management accordingly.
What is the primary purpose of educational coaching?
To enhance learning and improve study strategies.
What are some key roles of an allergist in managing food allergies?
Identifying causative foods, instituting elimination diets, educating on food avoidance, and developing emergency action plans.
What factors influence the prevalence of specific food allergens?
Societal eating and cooking patterns, atopic dermatitis, certain pollen allergies, and latex allergy.
How can transforming school notes into questions and answers benefit students?
It aids in self-testing and reinforces understanding.
Why is it crucial to always be prepared for an emergency in food allergies?
Because the severity of reactions can be unpredictable.
What is the estimated prevalence of cow’s milk allergy in children?
2.5%.
What is the estimated prevalence of egg allergy in adults?
0.2%.
What is a key strategy in creating effective study materials?
Focusing on core ideas and principles.
Why is it important to avoid repetition in answers?
To ensure clarity and directness.
What is the natural history of milk allergy in children?
Most children outgrow it by later childhood and adolescence.
What role do hints play in educational questions?
They encourage critical thinking and recall.
What is the natural history of egg allergy in children?
Most children outgrow it by adolescence.
What percentage of peanut allergies resolve by age 5?
~20%.
What are key prognostic factors for resolving peanut allergy?
≥2 years avoidance, history of mild reaction, few other atopic diseases, low levels of peanut-specific IgE.
What is the most important aspect of evaluating food allergies?
History.
Why should broad screening panels not be done without supporting history?
High rate of false positives.
What does a positive prick test or serum IgE indicate?
Presence of IgE antibody, not clinical reactivity.
What does a negative prick test or serum IgE essentially exclude?
IgE antibody.
What is the management strategy for food allergies?
Complete avoidance of specific food triggers and ensuring nutritional needs are met.
What should be included in an Anaphylaxis Emergency Action Plan?
Steps to take during an allergic reaction, including the use of emergency medications.
