Table 2.

Factors leading to development of specific IgE associated with food allergy

Pollen exposure and sensitization in patients with oral allergy syndrome

Occupational exposures can lead to sensitization and subsequent reactions to food

Repeated tick bites or jellyfish stings can cause sensitization to red meats and certain soybean products (natto), respectively

Cutaneous exposure to hydrolyzed wheat protein in face soaps has been linked to wheat-dependent, exercise-induced anaphylaxis in Japanese women

The use of acid-suppressive medications has been suggested to predispose toward food sensitization, although this has been called into question—so, the role of acid suppression remains unclear