Manifestations of food allergy in infants and children.

Most adverse reactions to foods are the result of intolerances rather than food allergy. It is important to identify children with potential food allergy as life-threatening, and life-ending reactions can occur. A clear understanding of the manifestations of food allergy caused by both IgE- and non-IgE-related mechanisms will help the practitioner to identify children who likely have food allergy so that additional diagnostic evaluation can be performed and appropriate avoidance can be instituted.