Food allergy and oral allergy or pollen-food syndrome.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This paper reviews current concepts in our understanding of oral allergy or pollen-food syndrome. As technology has improved, much more accurate profiling of food allergic individuals is now possible, resulting in more precise diagnosis, elucidation of cross reactivity patterns and more helpful prediction of risk of anaphylaxis.

RECENT FINDINGS: The identification and characterization of various ubiquitous plant proteins have led to greater understanding of food cross reactive reactions. Newer diagnostic techniques utilizing purified and recombinant allergens are available for more precise diagnosis and clinical profiling of patients presenting with food allergy.

SUMMARY: In-vitro screening of food allergic patients with large panels of allergens will change the accuracy of diagnosis resulting in better management. Allergens are now available for use in the allergist's office to improve diagnostic accuracy of skin tests in patients presenting with plant-food allergy. Knowledge of the specific sensitization of individual patients has consequences for both risk assessment and dietary management.