Despite the relatively high rate of reported physician-diagnosed food allergies in children and adults, the actual prevalence, at least as determined by the best methods currently available, is rather low. Yet in those children with proven food allergies, the effect on their physical and psychological growth can be profound. Given that the only effective means of treating a food allergy is elimination of the offending agent from the diet, careful attention must be given to assuring that the nutritional status of the patient is not compromised.

Although many families may have erroneous notions as to the nature of food allergy, many times they are on the right track. With careful history taking and judicious use of available testing modalities, the clinician can often home in on the offending agent. When in doubt, however, it is imperative that a specialist be consulted to assure a correct diagnosis is made, and more importantly, that careful nutritional education is provided to assure adequate growth.

This issue of Pediatric Annals provides four excellent presentations on the nature of food allergy in children. With careful review of these articles, the participant will be better prepared to address the issue of suspected food allergy with worried parents and not only properly secure a diagnosis, but also, and more importantly, educate the family.