Gastrointestinal adverse food reactions

in contrast to the dermatologic manifestations of a food allergy, the mechanisms causing gastrointestinal signs are not yet completely understood. A true allergy is not present in all cases. In many cases clinical gastrointestinal signs are caused by food intolerance which is not based on immunological mechanisms. Pathogenesis of gastrointestinal signs remains as yet subject of theoretical suggestions. Diagnosis is made difficult by the fact that a number of diseases does equally respond to dietary changes. However, feeding of a suitable diet is still essential for diagnosis and also therapy. Perhaps specific IgE-assays will become available for diagnosis in the future.