Allergy Awareness Research Articles

School allergy training promotes internal policy review and enhances staff's preparedness in managing pupils with food allergy.

BackgroundRecently non‐statutory allergy management guidance for schools has been produced in the United Kingdom; however, there has been limited progress in implementing this. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of face‐to‐face training on self‐reported school staff preparedness in managing the severely allergic child and whether it would stimulate schools' allergy policy review.MethodsA preparedness survey was conducted prior and 2 months post‐intervention to assess the effect of training on self‐reported preparedness and perceived confidence to manage children with food allergies.ResultsA sample of 18 primary schools that consented to participate were selected. Of the trained schools, 89% of the head teachers felt confident in dealing with an allergy emergency compared to 39% prior training (p = 0.016). Post‐intervention all but one had arranged/were considering introducing allergy awareness sessions to help pupils manage their allergies (45% pre‐training vs. post‐training 93%, p = 0.003). Preventative measures for accidental exposure to food allergens (i.e., no food sharing policy) were adopted by all (pre‐training 61% vs. post‐training 100%, p = 0.03).ConclusionA face‐to‐face school allergy training programme enhances self‐reported staff preparedness and promotes internal allergy policy review in managing the needs of these children, hence addressing the current gap between recommendations and practice in schools.

Solanum melongena allergy (A comprehensive review)

The Solanaceae family, including, among other, eggplants, represents the sixth most widely cultivated crops around the globe. We review the current data regarding allergies to Solanum melongena (eggplants), generating symptoms that range from gastrointestinal to respiratory allergic reactions. Currently, there are more than 4 mechanisms and molecules presumably involved in triggering allergic reactions to Solanum melongena: The lipid transfer protein (LTP) pathway, the profilin pathway, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) mechanism and other molecules. Allergies may be triggered both by pollen respiratory reactions and fruit intake. There is also an important cross-reactivity mechanism revealed by recent studies. Our literature review revealed many case series studies, some with in-depth molecular analysis of the triggering mechanism. However, wide population studies are still scarce. Current geographical distribution of the crops and population migrations should enhance the awareness of allergy and immunology specialists, ENT specialists, emergency physicians and pediatricians to the need for proper routine laboratory testing for possible Solanum allergy.

Dissemination of EAACI food allergy guidelines using a flexible, practical, whole school allergy awareness toolkit.

BackgroundEssential training for emergency adrenaline auto‐injector administration alone provides an inadequate safeguard in school environments. Recent UK deaths have reinforced the urgency for embedding whole school (WS) allergy awareness to minimise risk. We documented the development of a practical, flexible WS Food Allergy Awareness Toolkit for UK secondary schools.MethodsWe used a multidisciplinary participatory action research methodology, involving successive modification and retesting of a pragmatic toolkit in 3 case study schools. A School Allergy Action Group drives WS risk assessment, helping schools gradually implement best practice policy in line with their particular needs. Additional schools self‐piloted the resulting toolkit with only remote monitoring. School surveys, based on EAACI guidelines were developed to identify priorities and assess change.ResultsEffectiveness of the resulting process toolkit, now available online, was independently demonstrated via pre/post‐intervention questionnaires from 24/10 pupils with food allergy (FA) and 97/6 pupils without FA, respectively. Pearson correlational analysis showed strong negative relationships between Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire (FAQLQ) at T0 and School Support (SS) at T0 (r = −0.8, P<0.01), and between SS and Self‐Efficacy (SE) (r = 0.73, P<0.05). Mean FAQLQ scores improved between T0 (3.3) and T1 (2.5). SE improved for those with FA (mean difference = 1.0). In those without FA, SE (mean difference = 0.9) and Attitudes and Knowledge (mean difference = 0.7) also improved.ConclusionsFull stakeholder involvement in toolkit development encourages usage and, therefore, improves WS community awareness; reduces risk of reactions; fosters a more accepting societal attitude and empowers pupils with/without allergies to self‐manage effectively.

Awareness of Celiac Disease among the General Public in Saudi Arabia

Background: Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated systemic disorder triggered by dietary gluten and is considered one of the most common lifelong food-related disorders worldwide. The knowledge of CD among the general public in Saudi Arabia remains limited. Therefore, we aimed to assess the awareness and knowledge of CD among the general public in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey including members of the general public was conducted in Saudi Arabia. The survey included questions assessing the public’s awareness about CD, gluten sensitivity, and peanut allergy, as well as celiac disease-related knowledge. Results: From a total of 1230 responses received, 76.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 74.0%–79.4%) were females, 42.0% (95% CI, 37.7–46.3) were aged between 31–45 years, and 64.3% (95% CI, 61.0%–67.6%) had Bachelor’s degree. Less than half of the participants had heard of CD (48.4%; 95% CI, 44.4%–52.4%), but the majority had heard of peanut allergy (80.1%; 95% CI, 77.6%–82.6%) and gluten sensitivity (72.4%; 95% CI, 69.5%–75.3%). The prevalence of CD was estimated incorrectly by more than 80% of participants. Other questions on participants’ knowledge associated with CD were answered “Do not know” by the majority. Females demonstrated a greater awareness of CD, peanut allergy, and gluten sensitivity, and had a higher percentage of correct responses to questions related to CD than males. Conclusion: This study highlights the need to increase the awareness and knowledge of CD, especially in the recognition of its symptoms. Educational efforts toward increasing the awareness of the general public about CD could help optimize its diagnosis and management.

Recipe Components and Parents' Infant and Young Child Feeding Concerns: A Mixed-Methods Study of Recipe Posts Shared in Thai Facebook Groups for Parents.

Social media is increasingly becoming a significant source of information for parents, including about feeding young children. However, little attention has been given to the characteristics of recipes for infants and young children and how they interact with parental perceptions regarding food decisions shared by users on social media. Building on findings related to shared recipe components and parental food choices, between December 2019 and July 2020, this study retrospectively collected 80 shared recipes each from five Thai Facebook groups. This extraction created 379 shared recipes with 1751 peers’ commentaries on the shared recipes’ posts. The shared recipes were classified and components quantified across child age groups, then the textual contents around the reasons behind the food choices were described qualitatively. The results showed that there were differences in meal types, food ingredients, and seasoning used across child age groups. Further analysis found that food allergy awareness was one driving concern behind parental perceptions on food choices in children’s diets. These concerns resulted in delays in the introduction of animal-source foods. Moreover, peers’ commentaries on shared recipes offered a venue for exchanging experiences with food products. Because of the potential influence on parental beliefs and perceptions, further studies are required to understand the impact of existing online communities on actual feeding practices.

Review of topical gelatin‐based haemostatic agents; an insidious culprit of intraoperative anaphylaxis?

An under-recognized complication of gelatin-based haemostatic agents is their potential to cause anaphylactic reactions. This review aims to collate and analyse case in the literature of intraoperative anaphylaxis secondary to locally applied haemostatic agents. An electronic search was performed on databases Medline, Embase, Pubmed and ProQuest. A total of 7671 articles were reviewed from title and abstract. After exclusion criteria and duplicates removed, 19 articles with 21 cases were included for analysis. Data extracted from each of the articles included patient demographics, haemostatic agent used, surgery type, known allergies and any objective evidence of hypersensitivity post anaphylactic episode, that is tryptase levels, IgE levels, skin prick testing. Fifty-seven percent of cases involved patients <18 years of age; 57% of cases involved spinal surgery; 100% of cases displayed objective evidence of hypersensitivity (tryptase levels, bovine or porcine IgE levels, or skin prick testing). Thirty-three percent of patients had exposure preoperatively to a known agent causing anaphylaxis or allergy which would preclude the use of a gelatin-based haemostat. These products included vaccines, spam meats, red meat, Jell-O and CollaPlug. Gelatin-based haemostat agents included Floseal, Gelfoam, Surgiflo, fibrin glue, Avitene, haemofibrine sponge, topical bovine thrombin and thrombin-soaked gelatin. Increased awareness of allergy to gelatin-based haemostats for surgical and anaesthetic is imperative, with 33% of cases having a known contraindication to gelatin-based haemostat. This review highlights important aspects in the pre-operative patient history and post-event patient investigation that could assist anaesthetists and surgeons in the prevention of future events.

The Latex Allergy Awareness in Healthcare Workers and Their Attitude to Protective Measures

The Latex Allergy Awareness in Healthcare Workers and Their Attitude to Protective Measures

Child feeding practices and concerns: Thematic content analysis of Thai virtual communities.

Parents' child feeding practices are influenced not only by family but also by a broader circle of networks, including online groups. Peer‐to‐peer platforms such as Facebook groups facilitate a learning environment and may influence the transmission of user‐generated content into practice. These digital data not only benefit participants but also offer new opportunities for researchers to study related phenomena. Therefore, this study employs thematic content analysis to investigate peer‐exchanging discourse conveyed in Facebook peer‐support groups in children's diets in Thailand. To identify the area of interest, we classified and quantified the initial posts and investigated the relationship between initial posts' contents and community engagement. Thematic analysis was used to qualitatively describe the peer‐exchanging content that responded to the initial posts. Of the five approved Facebook groups, 200 initial posts with their 1964 comments were extracted anonymously. Results revealed that Facebook groups devoted to diets for children have become a platform for Thai parents to seek informational and emotional support. The top‐ranked initial posts were related to requesting knowledge and skills about age‐appropriate food and meal preparation. Parents have also expressed anxiety about feeding and tension related to food fussiness which created the need for emotional support. Age‐appropriate feeding, homemade baby foods, concerns about food seasonings and food allergy awareness were observable within online groups. However, a shift from traditional child feeding practices to new ideas created cultural gaps which lead to arguments in some families. Understanding these views would help guide to address parental concerns better.

Symptoms and Awareness of Latex Allergy Among Healthcare Workers

Objective: To evaluate the knowledge levels, sensitivity status, familial latex sensitivity, and attitudes towards the prevention and treatment of latex allergies of healthcare workers (HCWs) at a tertiary hospital. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out cross-sectionally between December 2012 and March 2013. A total of 566 HCWs at a tertiary hospital were included in the study. Results: The data of a total of 566 [333 (58.8%) female and 233 (41.2%) male] HCWs were analyzed. They consisted of 179 (31.6%) physicians, 48 (8.5%) technicians, 238 (42%) nurses, 48 (8.5%) laboratory technicians and 53 (9.4%) patient care workers. The family history of atopy was significantly higher in female HCWs (24.3%) compared to males (17.2%) (p= 0.041). A significant difference was identified between the occupational groups in terms of the rate of allergic symptoms after coming into contact with medical latex products (nurses 59.7%, doctors 17.6%, technicians 5.7%, laboratory technicians 6.9 %, patient care workers 10.1%; p= 0.001). Latexrelated symptoms were significantly more common in atopic HCWs (52.3%) compared to non-atopic ones (19.4%) (p= 0.001). The rate of latex-food syndrome was significantly more frequent in female HCWs (16%) compared to males (8.9%) (p= 0.038). Symptoms that developed after contact with medical and non-medical latex products were significantly more common in female HCWs (79.9% and 80.5%) compared to the male HCWs (21.1% and 19.5%) (p= 0.001). The rate of non-HCW(s) who shared the same house/room with the HCWs after work and who had allergic symptoms while in the same environment with the HCWs was 18%. The rate of these individuals was reported to be highest among the nurses at 53% and there was a statistically significant difference in terms of occupational groups (physicians 25.5%, technicians 9.8%, laboratory technicians 2.9%, patient care workers 7.8%; p= 0.030). Multivariate regression analysis showed that personal history of atopy (OR= 28.657, 95% CI= 6.548-125.411, p= 0.001) and the type of gloves used (latex gloves) (OR= 8.730, 95% CI= 3.490-21.834, p= 0.001) were independent predictors for latex allergy. Conclusion: In conclusion, latex is not only a cause of occupational allergy but is also an allergen that has the potential to cause allergic symptoms in people who share the same environment with HCWs. Questionnaires questioning the symptoms associated with past latex allergy may be an important tool for demonstrating latex sensitization in HCWs and managing latex-related reactions.

Knowledge and awareness of nasal allergy among patients in a developing country.

Background:Nasal allergy is a common public health disorder seen in clinical practice worldwide. This disorder affected activities such as sleep, education, trading, economy, and social life. This study aimed at determining the level of knowledge and awareness of nasal allergy among patients seen in the otorhinolaryngology clinical practice of a developing country.Methods and Materials:This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, which was carried out among patients seen in Ekiti state university teaching hospital, Nigeria. Each patient completed a pretested interviewer assisted questionnaire on socio-demographic features, awareness, and knowledge on nasal allergy. Data obtained were documented, collated, and analyzed by SPSS version 18.0.Results:There were 16.4% patient's awareness and knowledge on nasal allergy, and 10.6% had allergic rhinitis. The patients included 59.2% males and male to female ratio was 1.5:1.Most common sources of information on nasal allergy were from ear, nose, and throat specialist/other doctors in 62.6%. Other sources were friends/relatives and media/Internet in 28.5% and 9.0%, respectively. Knowledge and awareness on if the nasal allergy was common in Nigeria and worldwide among the patients were 26.6% and 24.9%, respectively. However, 56.7% patients were aware that nasal allergy were commonly seen and diagnosed in the hospital.On the basis of knowledge and awareness of etiology of nasal allergy, majority 55.2% believed micro-organisms caused nasal-allergy. Minority 40.4% agreed nasal allergy was caused by parents genetic transmission from parents to offspring.On the awareness and knowledge of nasal allergy and its manifestations, the most common symptoms was 63.4% itching ear, throat, and eyes others were 63.2% catarrh and 56.3% bout of sneezing. There were 64.6% patients awareness of nasal allergy causes impairing concentration. However, 68.2% believed nasal allergy were curable diseases. On the awareness and knowledge, treatment was 52.7% prayer/spiritual intervention, 34.3% herbs, and 57.1% over-the-counter medication. However, 45.4% were aware and knowledgeable on the significance of avoidance of allergens.Conclusion:The level of awareness and knowledge on nasal allergy low with high levels of prevalence. Patients awareness and knowledge on etiology, clinical manifestations, effects, and management of nasal allergy is low.

Ідентифікація метамодернізму як культурної практики

The article attempts to reveal the features of cultural practices of the metamodern era, to identify their fundamental features; to substantiate the peculiarities of human participation and empathy in the cultural process of modernity. The purpose of the scientific research was to describe the essence and analysis of the structure of metamodernism as a modern trend in the context of cultural practices. The basis for the methodology of the scientific study was the culturological approach, which allowed to substantiate the intertextuality of modern cultural practices in the context of metamodernism; to analyze a person’s perception of cultural changes and those socio-cultural experiences that are defined by metamodernists as “oscillation”; “Read” the significant provisions of metamodernism in the context of the relevance of today’s needs. It is noted that metamodernism as a special historical stage of cultural development (O. Dumitrescu, G. Freinacht, T. Vermuilen and R. van den Acker, H. Moraru), states radical changes in the modern world of culture (Metamodernism Historicity, affect and depth after postmodernism), Forming a “global mental paradigm”(N. Khrushchev). Based on the works of G. Freinacht, the characteristic features of the metamodernist worldview are revealed, in particular, an awareness of allergies; a belief in development and progress; an understanding of hierarchies; aiming at reconstruction; thinking “Both-And”. Analyzed as “metamodernist” cultural and artistic projects by S. Labaf, N.C. Ronkyo and L. Turner; works of art by O. Eliasson and J. Tarrell; literary discoveries by H. Murakami and D.F. Wallace, others. It is proved that the core parameters of the artist’s self-identification in metamodernism are work with emotions and technical mediality; sensuality and sentimentality; complicity of the creator and the public; irony, naivety and new sincerity, and (and above all) oscillation and multidimensionality. Emphasis is placed on the critique of metamodernism as a culturological concept, characterized by speculative philosophizing, conceptual dispersion, which are unable to provide meaningful substantiation of the essence of metahistoricity, metaeffect and metadeep of the cultural process of modernity.

Knowledge and awareness of ocular allergy among Hail population

Knowledge and awareness of ocular allergy among Hail population

Food Allergy Awareness among Parents of Food Allergic Child in Saudi Arabia

Food Allergy Awareness among Parents of Food Allergic Child in Saudi Arabia

Regional and temporal awareness of alpha-gal allergy: An infodemiological analysis using Google Trends

Regional and temporal awareness of alpha-gal allergy: An infodemiological analysis using Google Trends

Enabling self-management of pollen allergies: a pre-season questionnaire evaluating the perceived benefit of providing local pollen information

The Australian AusPollen Partnership provides respiratory allergy patients with accurate, relevant and localised pollen information via smartphone Apps. This study aims to evaluate public perceptions of need and benefit of providing local pollen information. Individuals aged 18 years and older were contacted through AusPollen Smartphone Apps (Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne), Australian Society for Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Asthma Australia and social media. A pilot questionnaire was developed in consultation with partner organisations, including select questions drawn from the National Young People and Asthma Survey. The questionnaire consisted of four sections: participant demographics, allergic rhinitis and asthma symptoms, symptom management and App utility. One hundred and twenty-seven people completed the survey, of whom 53% had access to local pollen information. Most (97%) participants without access to local pollen information indicated that they wanted such a service. Pollen information was most commonly perceived by participants to be useful for prevention and avoidance as well as preparation and planning. This preliminary study identified a public demand for local pollen information. Users identified practical ways in which pollen information assisted them. Publicised pollen concentrations and forecasts have the potential to improve awareness of allergy triggers and empower patient self-management, reducing symptoms and burden of disease.

Children’s food allergies in Kluczbork county

Background. The article presents the problems of food allergies diagnosed in selected groups of children (infants, toddlers, preschool children and schoolchildren). Material and methods. An anonymous questionnaire survey was conducted in Kluczbork County, Opole Voivodeship, Poland to identify the occurrence of allergies. Different aspects of the problem were analysed, i.e. parents’ education and their awareness of allergies, types of allergy tests, different allergy treatment methods, the duration of breastfeeding vs the incidence of allergies, and allergic symptoms. Results. Cow's milk proteins were the most common cause of allergic reactions in the infant group. There was no distinctive food allergy in the other groups. In addition, food allergies developed in infancy tended to disappear when the children grew older. Conclusions. The parents and guardians with higher education paid more attention to the content of allergens in the products given to their children. They had better knowledge of proper nutrition of children with food allergies. They had easier access to food allergy tests and analysed the labels of products given to their children more carefully. The parents and guardians with secondary education had their children tested for allergies only if they could afford it. The majority of the parents and guardians with primary education lived in rural areas, so their children consumed more natural products with fewer allergens.

Allergens: An Enhanced Focus.

Food Allergy Awareness Week was created with the purpose of placing a spotlight on the seriousness of food allergies. Recognized in the United States in mid-May every year, Food Allergy Awareness Week serves as a reminder of the over 15 million Americans who suffer from food allergies. The importance of allergies and allergen labeling can be seen when looking at U.S. Food and Drug Administration recall data: of the 764 recalls in 2016, 305 (representing more than 40%) were due to undeclared allergens. However, recalls for undeclared allergens are a complex issue with numerous factors. The implementation of prevention-based systems with the necessary management components and further error-proofing the systems, along with allergen awareness embedded throughout a company's food safety culture, can likely help reduce the number of recalls for undeclared allergens. As a resource to manufacturers, the Grocery Manufacturers Association and the Food Allergy Research and Resource Program have developed several resources to assist with developing robust allergen management programs. By reducing the number of recalls for undeclared allergens, the food industry will likely increase and maintain consumer confidence and trust of the food-allergic community. This enhanced consumer confidence and trust could eventually open the door for further collaboration with the food-allergic community and, potentially, advance allergen-related policies.

Venom allergy, risk factors for systemic reactions and the knowledge levels among Turkish beekeepers.

BackgroundAllergic reactions developing after bee sting can be severe and life-threatening. According to epidemiological data, serious systemic reactions range between 1.2%–3%, and this is 2–3 times higher (6%) in beekeeping. In different beekeepers' populations, risk factors of systemic reactions have been investigated and diverse results have been found.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to evaluate the level of knowledge of beekeepers about venom allergy, epidemiological data, systemic reaction rates, risk factors for systemic reactions, and the rate of emergency admissions after bee sting.MethodsWith the collaboration of Uludağ University Beekeeping Development Research Center and Beekeepers Association, a questionnaire consisting of 19 questions was applied to 242 beekeepers in Bursa and Yalova. Two hundred twenty-one beekeepers who completed the questionnaire were involved in the study.ResultsThe mean age of the beekeepers was 49.9 years (range, 18–75 years). The systemic reaction to bee sting in beekeepers was 37.6%. Allergic rhinitis was found to be a risk factor for systemic reaction. Although 80% of the beekeepers recognized that bee venom could be lethal, only 60% of the beekeepers were aware of immunotherapy, and only 30% were aware of the adrenaline auto-injector drug.ConclusionSimilar to previous studies, we found that the systemic response to the bee sting in beekeepers was higher compared to normal population. Considering the occupational exposure to bee venom and thus higher risk, the awareness of venom allergy in this high risk population was low, and they were poorly informed about the treatment options.

A Drug Allergy Education Handout Is an Easy and Effective Method to Improve Patient Awareness of Penicillin Allergy and Increase Penicillin Testing

A Drug Allergy Education Handout Is an Easy and Effective Method to Improve Patient Awareness of Penicillin Allergy and Increase Penicillin Testing

A Survey on Primary Care Providers' Awareness of Penicillin Allergy in a VA Medical Center

A Survey on Primary Care Providers' Awareness of Penicillin Allergy in a VA Medical Center