Patient-Centered Outcomes in Food Allergy.

Abstract

Food allergy prevalence is increasing very rapidly, causing a significant disease burden. The threat of severe allergic reactions occurring unexpectedly and in settings that are not equipped to recognize and treat anaphylaxis is a constant source of worry for individuals and families with food allergies. Inadequate knowledge and understanding in the community significantly impairs the overall quality of life of these individuals and families. Additionally, families face challenges in finding and affording appropriate allergen-free foods. Advancements have been made in understanding the impact of food allergies on patient-centered outcomes such as quality of life and economic impact, and attempts have been made to develop tools to assess patient-centered variables. Innovative national and regional initiatives are helping to spread awareness of the disease condition and to create resources, including access to allergen-free foods. While there is a growing momentum toward recognition of food allergic disorders as a condition that profoundly impacts activities of daily living, greater effort needs to be expounded to develop validated tools and interventions that can adequately address these issues.