Food Allergy and Intolerance

Question 1

What is the difference between food allergy and intolerance?

Answer 1

Allergy: is an immune mediated response to an allergen (usually) IgE mediated.

Intolerance: is an non-immunological hypersensitivity response.

Question 2

What is the general difference in allergic response between IgE and non IgE mediated reactions?

Answer 2

IgE mediated reactions occur very rapidly, and cause a spectrum of reaction ranging from:
Urticaria to breathing difficulties to anaphylaxis. (Type 1 response) - rapid
Allergen > binds to mast cell > release of substances such as histamine, leukotrienes & prostaglandins

Non IgE mediated reactions present with GI symptoms many hours after exposure making the allergen often difficult to work out. (Type 2 response - antibodies, takes longer).
IgM or IgG antibodies

Question 3

What is meant by primary and secondary allergies?

Answer 3

Primary = born with it
Secondary = developed over time

Question 4

What common foods are often allergens?

Answer 4

Infants: Milk, eggs and peanuts

Children: Peanuts, Nuts and shellfish

Question 5

What is the management for children with cow’s milk protein allergy and those with cow’s milk intolerance?

Answer 5

Allergy: if severe refer to an immunologist.
Avoid cow’s milk in diet, can get amino acid milk formula.

Intolerance: Avoid dietary exposure aka amino acid/soya formula.