How should Pollen Food Syndrome be diagnosed and managed?
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Overview
The British Society of Allergy & Clinical Immunology Standards of Care Committee has developed a guideline for diagnosing and managing PFS.
The guideline, which is published in Clinical & Experimental Allergy, notes that it's essential to distinguish PFS from a primary allergy to peanuts, tree nuts, or fruit. Management focuses on avoiding known trigger foods, which may appear to be simple, but can be difficult if coupled with a pre-existing food allergy, or for individuals following a vegetarian/vegan diet.
"More studies on the effect of PFS on health-related quality of life are needed to dispel the myth that because it usually manifests with mild symptoms, PFS is easily managed, and does not adversely affect the individual," the authors wrote. "The number of foods and concern about new food triggers means dietary restrictions are often overly strict, so more research on novel treatments of PFS, including food immunotherapy, needs to be undertaken."
Ref:
BSACI guideline for the diagnosis and management of Pollen Food Syndrome in the UK, Clinical & Experimental Allergy10.1111/cea.14208 ,17-Aug-2022
Speakers
Isra Zaman
B.Sc Life Sciences, M.Sc Biotechnology, B.Ed
Isra Zaman is a Life Science graduate from Daulat Ram College, Delhi University, and a postgraduate in Biotechnology from Amity University. She has a flair for writing, and her roles at Medicaldialogues include that of a Sr. content writer and a medical correspondent. Her news pieces cover recent discoveries and updates from the health and medicine sector. She can be reached at editorial@medicaldialogues.in.
