#千万IP创科普#Children’s food allergies, all the issues parents care about are here!

What is a food allergy?

Food allergy refers to adverse health effects caused by an abnormal response of the immune system when a child is exposed to a specific food. This response may be IgE-mediated, non-IgE-mediated, or a mixture of both.

What are the types of food allergies?

1. IgE-mediated food allergy

IgE-mediated food allergy: rapid reaction, may include acute urticaria, angioedema, etc.

2. Non-IgE-mediated food allergy

Non-IgE-mediated food allergy: The reaction is slower, mostly gastrointestinal symptoms.

3. Mixed-mediated food allergy

Mixed food allergy: has characteristics of both IgE-mediated and non-IgE-mediated food allergies.

How are food allergies diagnosed?

Skin prick test (SPT): It has diagnostic value for IgE-mediated food allergy, but it cannot be used as the sole basis for diagnosis.

Specific IgE (sIgE) testing: It has clear value for IgE-mediated food allergies, but it cannot be used as the sole basis for diagnosis.

Oral food challenge test (OFC): It is the most reliable clinical diagnostic method, among which the double-blind placebo-controlled food challenge test (DBPCFC) is the gold standard for diagnosing food allergy.

How are food allergies treated?

Reasonable dietary avoidance: Avoiding foods that are clearly allergic is the main treatment method.

First aid for severe allergic reactions: Intramuscular epinephrine is the first-line treatment.

Can food allergies be prevented?

Breastfeeding: There is currently no definitive evidence that exclusive breastfeeding can prevent food allergies.

Dietary adjustments for mothers during pregnancy and lactation: Restricting the intake of potential food allergens by mothers during pregnancy or lactation in order to avoid food allergies in infants and young children is not supported.

Hydrolyzed protein formula: There is insufficient evidence to support its role in preventing food allergies in infants and young children.

What is the prognosis for food allergy?

IgE-mediated food allergies: such as milk, eggs, soy, wheat, etc., may develop a certain degree of tolerance with age.

Non-IgE-mediated food allergy: tolerance is more likely to develop earlier.

What should parents do?

Seek medical attention promptly: If you suspect your child has a food allergy, you should seek medical attention for diagnosis.

Follow doctor's advice: Follow your doctor's advice on diet and treatment.

Regular follow-up: Regularly evaluate the child’s allergy status so that the treatment plan can be adjusted in time.