Authors:
Rueter K, Prescott S
Authors notes:
Australian Family Physician. 2014;43(10):680-685
Keywords:
Paediatrics, food hypersensitivity, allergic rhinitis, immunoglobulin E
Abstract:
The epidemic of allergic disease is a major public health crisis.
The greatest burden of allergies is in childhood, when rapidly rising rates of disease are also most evident.
General practitioners (GP) have a key role in recognising and addressing allergy-related problems and identifying whether a child requires referral to a paediatric allergist.
This article focuses on IgE-mediated food allergies and allergic rhinitis, the most commonly seen conditions in paediatric immunology.
We will discuss prevention, diagnosis, management and treatment strategies.
Currently there is no cure for food allergy.
Oral tolerance induction continues to be a significant focus of research.
All children with a possible food allergy should be referred to an allergist for further testing and advice.
Children who develop allergic rhinitis need a regular review by their GP.
Immunotherapy should be discussed early in the disease process and needs to be commenced by an allergist.