Abstract
Occurrence of food allergy has significantly risen in recent decades. This review provides general information about current knowledge in epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment.
Proper identification of phenotypes and endotypes of IgE-mediated food allergy may improve our approach to treatment. Both phenotype and endotypes are determinated by genotype, epigenetic factors and environmental factors.
The diagosis of food allergy is largely reliant on medical history, tests for sensitization including component resolved diagnosis, and oral food challenges. A number of prevention strategies are under investigation, mainly early introduction of food allergens during the first year of life.
Food allergen-specific immunotherapy has become an active area of research in recent years. Oral food immunotherapy (OIT) is more effective than sublingual or epicutaneous AIT.
Currently, according the EAACI Guidelines, OIT is recommended as a treatment option to increase the threshold of reaction in children with persistent cow's milk, hen's egg and peanut allergy from around 4-5 years of age.