This document discusses food allergies in children. It notes that the most common food allergens in children are milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, and wheat. Symptoms of food allergies can include anaphylaxis, skin issues like urticaria and atopic dermatitis, gastrointestinal problems, and respiratory symptoms. Diagnosis involves elimination diets and food challenges. Treatment is elimination of the offending foods from the diet.

1. Food Allergy Prof. Dr. Saad S Al Ani Senior Pediatric Consultant Head of Pediatric Department Khorfakkan Hospital Sharjah ,UAE [email_address]

4. Nature of symptoms with immune ( allergy ) and non - immune hypersensitivity reactions ( intolerance)

6. Manifestations Often a combination of several syndromes 1.Anaphylaxis 2.Skin syndromes 3.Gastroentistinal syndromes 4.Respiratory syndromes

8. 2.Skin Syndromes A. Urticaria / Angioedema : 1.Chronic Urticaria rarely related to food allergy 2.Acute urticaria predicts risk for future anaphylaxis

17. Diagnosis Food allergy is suspected when typical symptoms occur with the introduction of specific foods. 2.Pharmacologic activity of foods Other non-allergic mechanisms of food intolerance should be ruled out: 1.Compromised digestive or absorptive processes 3.Contamination with microbes or toxins

26. Treatment and Prognosis. The only therapy proved effective for food allergy is an elimination diet . Most gastrointestinal manifestations resolve within several days , although some may take weeks (food-induced enteropathy ).

29. Cont. About 50% of infants who experience proctocolitis while nursing improve with removal of cow's milk from the mother's diet. If the symptoms are severe enough (anemia and hypoproteinemia) decide to change in the infant's diet to a protein hydrolysate formula.

31. Cont. When milk is reintroduced, only a teaspoon or less should be offered at first and then increased progressively over a few days if tolerated Even older children and adults may lose their sensitivity to an offending food when it is eliminated from the diet for 1 to 2 yr

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