Food allergy in primary care

Abstract

Prevalence of food allergy has been increasing over the last decades. It may appear as an immediate or a delayed reaction. The disease has a major impact on the quality of life of patients and their families, and it is associated to elevated costs. Primary care physicians are the first healthcare providers who assist children with food allergy, especially in mild to moderate forms. Through the present review, we examine the steps that should be followed in primary care to manage food allergy, and to promptly prescribe an elimination diet and an emergency kit in case of accidental exposure to the allergen. We also focus on the special management of IgE and non-IgE mediated cow's milk allergy, and on management and prevention of egg and peanuts allergy.

Figure 1.. Basic questions to rule out or suspect food allergy in primary care practice.

Figure 2.. Steps to be followed to diagnose and manage a food allergy, in primary care setting.

Figure 3.. Overall management in primary care, for children presenting with cow’s milk allergy.

Figure 4.. Primary care management of different vaccines in egg allergic patients.

Figure 5.. Primary care management of egg and peanut introduction in high-risk infants.