Epidemiology and Risk Factors for the Development of Food Allergy

Abstract

<P>Approximately 5.3% of Americans report a physician diagnosis of food allergy on national surveys. Even based on conservative estimates using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, food allergy leads to an estimated 20,821 emergency department visits every 2 months nationwide. Furthermore, food allergy significantly impairs the quality of life of affected families.</P> <H4>ABOUT THE AUTHOR</H4> <P>JRajesh Kumar, MD, is Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Children’s Memorial Hospital, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Address correspondence to: <a href="mailto:rkumar@childrensmemorial.org">rkumar@childrensmemorial.org</a>.</P> <P>Dr. Kumar has disclosed no relevant financial relationships.</P> <H4>EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES</H4> <OL> <LI>Discuss the factors that result in different estimates of the prevalence of diagnosed food allergy in children.</LI> <LI>List food allergies known to have a favorable history.</LI> <LI>Determine the role of food exposures in utero, via lactation, and in early life in the development of food allergy.</LI> </OL>