mEDO 2026

Description
The presentation will focus on differentiating true food allergy presentations from non-allergic adverse reactions to foods. We will discuss the signs and symptoms that are more specific and suggest a higher pre-test probability of food allergy and contrast these with common symptoms of adverse food reactions that are less likely to be a manifestation of food allergy. We will also discuss the pathophysiology of common food allergy syndromes and how they relate to various forms of allergy testing. We will then move to a discussion of the utility of food allergy testing and highlight its strengths and weaknesses. Next we will discuss the consequences of inappropriate food allergy testing and the negative potential impact on patients and their quality of life. If time permits we will touch on non-IgE based “food allergy” testing methods and the data or lack there of to support their use.
 
Learning Objectives

1. Familiarity with presentations and pathophysiology of common food allergy syndromes
2. Understand the limited utility and potential pitfalls of allergy skin prick and serum IgE Testing
3. Discuss other forms of testing and their role, or lack thereof in patient care

Disclosures
I am an employed physician in the Intermountain medical group. I receive no income from medical device, laboratory, testing, or pharmaceutical entities. I am not an owner or partial owner of any company.