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Food Allergens Food Allergens


Case History - Section 1

An adverse reaction to food is best referred to as food hypersensitivity. However, when immunological mechanisms have been demonstrated the appropriate term is food allergy.

When the role of IgE has been demonstrated, the term is IgE-mediated food allergy.

This case history focuses on IgE-mediated food allergy from infancy to 16 years of age.

James is now 16 years old.

He first presented at 8 months with severe atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis).

James was born full term and was breast fed exclusively for 6 months.

Atopic eczema commenced at 6 weeks and became generalized and severe. He was a colicky, unsettled baby.

Solids were introduced at 6 months beginning with rice cereal with some cow's milk formula. His atopic eczema worsened significantly at this stage.



Answer: Food allergens, particularly egg, cow's milk and peanut

THIS IS CORRECT - Well done: An exacerbation of atopic eczema by foods in food allergic patients has been repeatedly reported, with the vast majority of cases seen in children.

This should be considered in the management of atopic eczema when there is a history of food allergy, or when conventional treatment measures are ineffective. An appropriate diagnosis of the suspected food allergy should be made.

For further information on the causes of atopic eczema in children access the references below:

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