Therapeutics in food allergy: the current state of the art

Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2012 Feb;12(1):48-54. doi: 10.1007/s11882-011-0235-2.

Abstract

Food allergy is an increasing public health dilemma in Westernized countries, yet no viable treatments are currently available for those who are afflicted. The only options available for patients with food allergies are prevention of reactions by strict avoidance of the offending food(s) and symptomatic treatment of any adverse effects from accidental exposures. Approaches are being pursued to develop treatments, and allergen-specific therapies such as oral immunotherapy, sublingual immunotherapy, and epicutaneous immunotherapy with different foods have shown promise. Other modalities are also being investigated, potentially leading to the discovery of novel therapeutic options.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Administration, Sublingual
  • Allergens / administration & dosage*
  • Allergens / immunology
  • Food Hypersensitivity / immunology
  • Food Hypersensitivity / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Immunomodulation
  • Immunotherapy / methods*
  • Symptom Assessment / methods

Substances

  • Allergens