Diagnostic Aids in Allergy Advisor

As mentioned earlier, this software's user-driven name change (from FAP AID to Allergy Advisor) reflects its evolution from being primarily an information database, to a software package that uses this specialized knowledge base to provide healthcare providers with powerful diagnostic and counseling tools.  Although many of the following features have been present in the software for some time, the current release has made them more powerful and easier to use.

The bullet points below summarize some of the key features that make Allergy Advisor a powerful diagnostic tool when used by knowledgeable health professionals, particularly when the root cause of an individual's food allergies or intolerances is elusive.  Click on any of the links below to view a screenshot of the feature.

• Frequently, a patient may present with a number of food items that seem to trigger an allergic response or episode of intolerance.  Allergy Advisor's Pattern Search feature can help a practitioner quickly narrow down possible cross-reactive relationships between foods identified by the patient.  Potential cross-reactions between the foods identified by the patient and other foods which they may not have mentioned can also be explored through the cross-reactions feature of Allergy Advisor.

• The Diagnosis Menu has a number of useful features, including:

  • Food Diary and Food Challenge sheets which can be printed (found under the "Management Forms" button).

  • Clinical images that may be useful for identifying observed clinical symptoms.

  • Information about various differential diagnosis approaches.

  • Information about trends in allergies or intolerances associated with particular health conditions or occupations.

• The Management Menu, while being primarily counseling-oriented, has information about proper use of elimination diets, which can be helpful in more elusive diagnostic processes, as well as (in some cases) post-diagnostic treatment.

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