EGG ALLERGY IN US CHILDREN

Abstract

Introduction Egg allergy is common in young children ( Methods A randomized, cross sectional survey was administered to 53,575 US households from October 2015 and September 2016, resulting in parent-proxy responses for 38,408 children. Data was analyzed in regard to demographics, symptoms, diagnosis, and co-morbid conditions. Adjusted models were estimated to examine association of these characteristics with odds of egg allergy. Results Overall prevalence of convincing egg allergy was 0.9% in all children and 1.3% of young children. Of those with egg allergy, 35.6% tolerate baked egg, 63.9% had >1 food allergy, and 29.3% have peanut allergy specifically. Egg allergy was more common among Black children (23.4% (13.1-38.4 vs. 13.2% (12.3-14-2)). Egg allergic children were more likely to have asthma (46.5% (35.8-57.4)), eczema (19% (12.2-28.2)), and allergic rhinitis (38.2% (30.7-46.4)). Severe allergic symptoms include: throat tightening (14.2%), wheezing (11.5%), and hypotension (11%). Physician diagnosed egg allergy occurred in 72.2% of those with convincing allergy, with oral food challenges completed in 20.1%. Conclusions Egg allergy is common among young children, and over one third of patients with egg allergy can tolerate baked egg. Efforts to increase physician diagnosis of egg allergy, including evaluation for baked egg, can significantly improve quality of life.