Navigating a New Era of Food Allergy Management

Overview:

In recent decades, food allergies have become an increasing concern for families, clinicians, and policymakers. Food allergies are potentially life-threatening and are associated with adverse effects on patients’ well-being. Reactions such as food-induced anaphylaxis are typically rapid in onset and may lead to death. Due to the array of clinical manifestations, food allergies are commonly misinterpreted, leading to misdiagnosis and confusion for other problems such as food intolerance. Early recognition and diagnosis are critical to prevention of severe complications. Traditional management of food allergies has been centered around allergen avoidance and treatment with antihistamines or epinephrine, if necessary.

Research has been dedicated to potential immunotherapy options that would result in desensitization and a decreased frequency of allergic reactions after accidental ingestions. Increasingly, studies are exploring the role of biologic agents with the goal of increasing patient safety and allergen nonspecificity.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Outline the clinical challenges with food allergy that significantly impact patient quality of life
• Summarize current guideline-directed strategies in the management of food allergies
• Develop guideline-directed management plans for patients with food allergies based on presentation and goals of therapy
• Analyze safety and efficacy data for novel investigational therapies for the prevention and management of food allergies