The transforming power of proximity food challenges

Abstract

In recent years, food allergy has become a problem that affects the physical health and emotional well-being of individuals and their families. As many as 15 million people in the United States have food allergies, with nearly 6 million of them being children. [1] Clark S. Espinola J. Rudders S.A. Banerji A. Camargo Jr., C.A. Frequency of US emergency department visits for food-related acute allergic reactions. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2011; 127: 682-683 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (75) Google Scholar Both medical and lay publications (www.foodallergy.org) reiterate the prevalence and effect of food allergy and attempt to educate practitioners and patients on appropriate management. 2 Boyce J.A. Assa'ad A. Burks A.W. et al. Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of food allergy in the United States: summary of the NIAID-sponsored expert panel report. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2010; 126: 1105-1118 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (1176) Google Scholar , 3 Simonte S.J. Ma S. Mofidi S. Sicherer S.H. Relevance of casual contact with peanut butter in children with peanut allergy. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2003; 112: 180-182 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (134) Google Scholar Patients and families are informed that every 3 minutes a food allergy reaction sends someone to the emergency department and every 6 minutes the reaction is anaphylactic. [1] Clark S. Espinola J. Rudders S.A. Banerji A. Camargo Jr., C.A. Frequency of US emergency department visits for food-related acute allergic reactions. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2011; 127: 682-683 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (75) Google Scholar They learn that more than 15% of school aged children with food allergies have a reaction at school, [4] Sicherer S.H. Furlong T.J. DeSimone J. Sampson H.A. The US Peanut and Tree Nut Allergy Registry: characteristics of reactions in schools and day care. J Pediatr. 2001; 138: 560-565 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (156) Google Scholar that almost half of fatal food allergy reactions are triggered by food consumed outside the home, [5] Bock S.A. Munoz-Furlong A. Sampson H.A. Further fatalities caused by anaphylactic reactions to food, 2001-2006. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2007; 119: 1016-1018 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (782) Google Scholar and that, of the food allergens, peanuts are most commonly associated with severe allergic reactions. [6] Yu J.W. Kagan R. Verreault N. et al. Accidental ingestions in children with peanut allergy. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2006; 118: 466-472 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (148) Google Scholar They are educated that failure to promptly treat food anaphylaxis with epinephrine is a risk factor for fatalities. 2 Boyce J.A. Assa'ad A. Burks A.W. et al. Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of food allergy in the United States: summary of the NIAID-sponsored expert panel report. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2010; 126: 1105-1118 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (1176) Google Scholar , 5 Bock S.A. Munoz-Furlong A. Sampson H.A. Further fatalities caused by anaphylactic reactions to food, 2001-2006. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2007; 119: 1016-1018 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (782) Google Scholar