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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: Histamine Release test (HR test)

THIS IS INCORRECT - This test measures the histamine release from basophil granulocytes. The results of HR test have been comparable to the results of SPT and specific IgE-tests.

HR-test is more complicated for daily clinical practice, but may be a helpful tool in certain cases, e.g. testing for infrequent allergies, drug allergies etc.

For further information on allergy investigations in children, access the statement of the Section on Pediatrics of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology below:

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