History and physical examination in the patient with possible food allergy – UpToDate Clinical Overview (2025) Edwin H Kim

Description

This document reviews the critical importance of the history and physical examination in evaluating patients with possible adverse food reactions, aiming to distinguish true food allergy (immunologic, IgE or non-IgE mediated) from non-immunologic disorders like lactose intolerance or metabolic diseases. The history guides necessary confirmatory testing and interpretation of results.