Food allergy

Food allergies ( FA ) are immunologically mediated adverse reaction to foods.Food allergy is a major paediatric health problem in Western countries.

Prevalence ranges from 6-8 % in children up-to 3 yrs and is increasing Studies have shown that in Western countries challenge-diagnosed food allergy can be as high as 10 % with the greatest prevalence among young children It is also thought that the prevalence may be similar in developing countries Presence of food allergy - strongly correlated with other atopic disorders.

FA is an adverse reaction to a specific food antigen which is a immunologically mediated mechanism and happens in an individual who is susceptible to that specific allergen A complex interplay of which includes factors as ○ epithelial barrier○ mucosal and systemic immune response○ route of exposure○ microbiome Reactions classified as○ IgE mediated or○ Non-IgE mediated Mixed reactions - both IgE mediated and non IgE mediated can also be seen IgE mediated reactions → immediate type 1 hypersensitivity reactions Non IgE mediated → occur several hrs after allergen exposure Presence of food allergy - strongly correlated with other atopic disorders

Food allergy ( FA ) is different from adverse reactions which is a reaction caused by toxins...