An overview of food hypersensitivity

This review addresses food hypersensitivity in the context of adverse food reactions, distinguishing them from food intolerance, and provides useful information regarding the extent of this medical problem. An extensive survey of both recent and past developments including the pathogenesis, immunopathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment and natural history of food hypersensitivity is included. Specific clinical and immunologic observations from several investigators around the world are highlighted. Finally, future areas of investigation in food hypersensitivity are identified in hopes of generating continued medical research in this area.