CLINICAL SYMPTOMS OF FOOD ALLERGY INTOLERANCE IN CHILDREN/

Food allergy is principally a problem in infancy and early childhood. Food allergy/intolerance may cause a broad spectrum of symptoms and si gns in children, including generalized reactions, such as anaphylactic shock. Reactions are localized mainly in the gastrointestinal tract, but food allergy/intolerance may also cause local symptoms in other or gans such as the skin and the respiratory tract. About 50-70% demonstr ate cutaneous symptoms, 50-60% gastrointestinal symptoms, and 20-30% r espiratory symptoms. Among young children with food allergy/intoleranc e the majority have two or more symptoms with symptoms occurring in tw o or more organ systems. The symptoms occur primarily within a few min utes after food exposure (immediate reactions), however delayed reacti ons in the skin, gastrointestinal tract and lungs may also occur. Amon g children with symptoms suggestive of food allergy/intolerance, the d iagnosis can be confirmed by controlled elimination/challenge procedur es only in about one third of the patients. A proper diagnosis is impo rtant in order to avoid unnecessary restrictive diets and risk of maln utrition. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.