Is it food allergy? Differentiating the causes of adverse reactions to food.

Foods can produce adverse symptoms in various ways, and the patient's history can help determine whether allergy or some other mechanism is responsible. The history has limitations, however, as it is primarily subjective. Therefore, diagnostic confirmation is very important. Strict avoidance of the allergenic food is the primary course of treatment. Education is imperative to ensure that patients understand food labels and recognize the different names used to designate a specific food. Prompt treatment with epinephrine when an acute reaction occurs can make a life-or-death difference.