ételprovokáció

Ételprovokáció, also known as food challenge or oral food challenge, is a medical procedure used to diagnose or confirm food allergies. It involves administering gradually increasing doses of a suspected allergenic food to a patient under strict medical supervision. The process is typically conducted in a controlled environment, such as a hospital or clinic, where healthcare professionals can monitor for any allergic reactions.

The procedure begins with a small, non-allergic portion of the food. If no reaction occurs, the dosage is increased incrementally over a period of hours or even days. This step-wise approach allows doctors to determine the threshold dose at which a reaction might occur, or to confirm that a patient can tolerate the food without adverse effects. Throughout the challenge, patients are closely observed for symptoms like hives, itching, swelling, digestive upset, or respiratory distress.

Ételprovokáció is considered the gold standard for diagnosing many food allergies, particularly when skin prick tests or blood tests yield ambiguous results. It can also be used to determine if a childhood food allergy has been outgrown, or to help establish tolerance to a food after a period of strict avoidance. The decision to perform a food challenge is made by a qualified allergist, who will assess the individual's medical history, previous reactions, and the results of other diagnostic tests. The challenge is always performed with a clear plan in place to manage any potential allergic reactions, which may include the administration of medications like antihistamines or epinephrine.