[The current problems of food allergy].

Humoral and cellular immune mechanisms take part in the food allergies. In the humoral mechanisms there are anaphylactic, cytotoxic and precipitating antibodies. Therefore and because of uncertain and incomplete remarks of the patient, the diagnosis of food allergies is difficult. At present, the hemagglitination technique is the most reliable diagnostic test; the determination of unspecific and specific IgE is less suitable. In most cases, multiple sensitizations have been found. In food allergies, as the most frequent shock organ, the skin has been found, often combined with the gastrointestinal and respiratory tract (asthma). The participation of neurologic effects is discussed.