THE ROLE OF FOOD ALLERGY IN CHILDHOOD ASTHMA

Immunologic reactions to food, primarily in the form of IgE-mediated h ypersensitivity, can result in asthma. Although the exact prevalence i s unknown, approximately 6 % to 8 % of asthmatic children experience f ood-induced symptoms. Fatal and near-fatal allergic reactions to foods occur primarily in allergic-asthmatics. Food-induced allergic reactio ns can also increase nonspecific airway reactivity in a subset of alle rgic-asthmatics, potentially contributing to symptoms of chronic asthm a. The diagnosis of food-induced asthma and the subsequent identificat ion and elimination of causative foods requires a careful history, lab oratory evaluation and, in many cases, confirmation by challenge testi ng.