Impact Of Food Allergy Research Articles

Impact of food allergy on health-related quality of life: A case report of 2 patients with adult-onset IgE mediated food allergy.

Food allergy incidence is increasing, and reactions can be life-threatening. Food allergies significantly impact patients' and families' quality of life (QoL). Here, we describe two cases with adult-onset IgEmediated food allergy impacting their physical and psychological health and affecting their quality of life. Patient 1: A 29-year-old lady, previously healthy, presented with a history of sneezing, shortness of breath, and eye and lip swelling shortly after drinking cow milk at the age of 28 years. She had multiple episodes of similar symptoms after consumption of dairy products. A positive blood test confirmed Cow's Milk allergy (Table 1). She was very anxious and concerned about accidental exposure and even avoided serving milk to her children. She scored 5.2/7 on the Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire-Adult Form (FAQLQ-AF). The patient currently avoids dairy products and carries Adrenaline autoinjectable (AAI), with no reported anaphylaxis. Patient 2: A 46-year-old man with a history of type 2 DM was evaluated for recurrent urticaria. Further history revealed recurrent episodes of urticaria and angioedema for the past few years one to two hours after wheat intake; the most recent episode was typical for anaphylaxis, and he denied any exercise or presence of other co-factors. Allergy testing confirmed wheat allergy (Table 1). He scored 4.9/7 on FAQLQ-AF. He was concerned about having another anaphylaxis. He was instructed to avoid wheat and to carry AAI, after which no further attacks were reported. Identifying the food allergens for both patients alleviates some of their anxiety. Moreover, having an AAI on hand and training on how and when to use it led to increased safety feeling, although initially, they were hesitant to carry AAI. Continuous assessment will be carried out during clinic visits to ensure improved QoL. Several factors affect the extent of food allergy's impact on patients' QoL, like age, type, and number of food allergens. Physicians must be aware of the psychological burdens faced by adults with food allergies and implement strategies to address and improve patients' QoL through counseling, proper education, and psychotherapy if needed.

It takes a village: perceptions of Winnipeg parents, students, teachers and school staff regarding the impact of food allergy on school-age students and their families

BackgroundThe entire school community contributes to the safety of students with food allergy. We sought to determine the food allergy perceptions and education needs of parents, students and school staff, with the goal of enhancing food allergy education in schools.MethodsWith ethics approval from the University of Manitoba and participating school divisions, elementary school principals emailed SurveyMonkey® Questionnaire Links to their parent/caregiver contact list and school staff. We compared anonymous responses of parents of children with and without food allergy, students with and without food allergy, and parents and school staff using chi-squared tests.ResultsParticipants included 561 parents of school-age children (ages 7–12 years, 19% with food allergy), 61 students (23% with food allergy), and 203 school staff (62% teachers, 88% with experience managing food allergies in the classroom). Parents of children with and without food allergy considered food allergy when sending food to school (98% vs. 96%, p = 0.39). More parents of children with food allergy thought that greater information and awareness about food allergy was needed (74% vs. 44%, p < 0.0001). Students with food allergy were most interested (100%) in having other students learn not to bully and how to help during a reaction. Students without food allergy were most interested in learning how to prevent a reaction (70%). Fewer parents than school staff thought that food allergies in the classroom impacted teachers’ time (2.1% vs. 21%, p < 0.0001) and that teachers knew how to treat allergic reactions to foods (34% vs. 94%, p < 0.0001). More parents than school staff thought that banning foods from classrooms kept allergic students safe (65% vs. 34%, p = 0.006) and that having a Food Allergy Educator speak at school would be helpful (99% vs. 67%, p < 0.0001).ConclusionsFood allergy education is necessary for the entire school community and should include parents of school-aged children with and without food allergy, students with and without food allergy, and teachers and school staff. These members of the school community recognized their own and others’ needs for increased food allergy education and awareness in the school setting.

The impact of food allergy on mental health in school-age children

Few studies were suggesting that allergic diseases are associated with mental health in children. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the effect of food allergy on the Child Behavior Rating Scale (CBCL) in a general population-based birth cohort study.

Separating Fact from Fiction in the Diagnosis and Management of Food Allergy

Separating Fact from Fiction in the Diagnosis and Management of Food Allergy

Impact of Food Allergies on food choice in prepackaged foods

Impact of Food Allergies on food choice in prepackaged foods

The Impact of Food Allergy on the Quality of Life in Adolescents

The Impact of Food Allergy on the Quality of Life in Adolescents

Impact of Food Allergy on Adolescent’s Quality of Life

Background: Food allergy is a major problem in both developed and developing countries and seems to increase over the past 10–15 years. Due to the incomplete understanding of the effects of food allergy on health-related quality of life (HRQL) among adolescents. This study aimed to identify the impact of food allergy on adolescent’s quality of life. Method: In this cross-sectional study, 144 adolescents aged 12–18 years who objectively-diagnosed having food allergy were included. Adolescents were interviewed and completed questionnaire sheet consisted of two parts, the first part for personal data and the second part included questions about types of allergic foods, signs and symptoms and complications of allergy, also they completed specific food allergy quality of life questionnaire-teenager form. Results: Shows that, the average score of the food allergies scale is (167.93), which is in the high range. The average quality of life measure for adolescents is 105.42 degrees, which is considereda low level of quality of life as a whole. There is a negative correlation between food allergies in adolescents and the quality of life dimensions at the level of significance p= 0.05, which highlights the importance of the current study. Conclusions: The present study concluded that food allergy has a high impact on the quality of life of adolescents and there are negative correlations between adolescent food allergies and the quality of life from all dimensions.

Impact of food allergy on food insecurity and health literacy in a tertiary care pediatric allergy population.

Food insecurity (FI), limited availability of or access to nutritional foods, is linked to poor child/caregiver health. We examined FI in food-allergic and non-food-allergic children to determine whether dietary limitations associated with food allergy increases risk of FI. Food-allergic and non-food-allergic children (1-17years) were recruited from Arkansas Children's Hospital allergy/asthma clinics. The USDA Food Security Survey, the Newest Vital Sign Health Literacy (HL) questionnaire, and the Food Allergy Impact Scale QOL survey were administered. Logistic regression and analysis of covariance models were utilized for data analysis. Subjects (n=650) included 325 food-allergic and 325 non-food-allergic children. Overall rate of FI was 21.5% (food allergic 22.2% and non-food allergic 20.9%) with no significant difference in the prevalence of FI between groups (OR=1.30; 95% CI 0.86-1.96; P=0.21). FI was increased in households of children with both milk and egg allergy when compared to those without food allergy and those with single food allergy (OR=2.5; 95% CI 1.4-4.6; P=0.003). Mean HL rates were higher in the food-secure vs food-insecure groups (mean diff=0.31; 95% CI 0.03-0.59; P=0.03). Among food-allergic children, QOL was better in the food-secure vs food-insecure group (mean diff=0.61; 95% CI 0.002-1.23; P=0.049). Food allergy to milk and egg was associated with increased risk of household FI. Food-insecure participants had lower HL than their food-secure counterparts. Further work is needed to define risks associated with FI among food-allergic children to improve screening and management strategies.

Impact of Food Allergy on School-Age Students: Perceptions of Winnipeg Parents, Teachers and School Staff

Impact of Food Allergy on School-Age Students: Perceptions of Winnipeg Parents, Teachers and School Staff

ANOREXIA IN EARLY CHILDHOOD FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENTAL INGESTION OF NUTS

Introduction As providers caring for food allergic patients, a significant amount of time is dedicated to anticipatory guidance regarding prevention and treatment of allergic reactions. However, we may not consider the impact accidental ingestions have on subsequent eating patterns of patients with food allergy. This case describes a pediatric patient with peanut allergy who developed anorexia following an accidental ingestion at school. Case Description During school, a 5-year old female with known peanut and tree nut allergy asked her teacher if a toaster pastry contained nuts. The teacher read the food label and informed the patient the food was nut free. The patient took a few bites and immediately felt itching/burning of her tongue. Symptoms did not progress, lasting approximately 36 hours. No medications were administered. Review of the toaster pastry food label read “may contain peanut and almond.” Following this episode, the patient refused to eat for 1.5 months at school (including home-packed lunches). The patient refers to fear of eating during that time. She solely drank pediasure, with subsequent 5-pound weight loss. With education, frequent reassurance, and a readily available epinephrine autoinjector, she eventually felt “safe” eating foods, which her older sibling with peanut allergy tolerated. Discussion The potential of a severe allergic reaction to a food allergen by accidental ingestion is a source of significant stress for patients living with food allergy. The psychological impact of food allergy on patients should be addressed to improve outcomes following accidental ingestions. This further highlights the need for treatment options beyond avoidance measures.

Impact of food allergy on the growth of children with moderate-severe atopic dermatitis

Summary Children with moderate-severe atopic dermatitis and food allergy (especially milk) exhibit reduced weight and height, while those with atopic dermatitis alone are often overweight or obese, and their body mass index correlates with eczema severity.

Food Allergy in Patients Seeking Mental Health Care: What the Practicing Psychiatrist Should Know.

This review provides an overview of food allergy among children and adolescents in the context of its impact on psychosocial functioning, and quality of life (QoL). The prevalence of food allergy is increasing. The burden of day to day management of food allergy is significant and can have a negative impact on QoL for both parents of those with food allergy, and the children themselves. This can impact social functioning, academic functioning, and mental health. Children with food allergy experience more bullying than peers. Greater internalizing of symptoms has been identified in adolescents with food allergy. Typical developmental considerations in the transition from adolescence to adulthood can be impacted significantly. Those caring for children with food allergy should consider the impact of food allergy on the individual and family level within the context of social and emotional development.

A new assessment tool to measure the socio‐economic impact of food allergy on patients and parents: the Food Allergy Socio‐Economic Questionnaire Short‐Form (FASEQ‐SF)

Aim Food Allergy may have an impact on socioeconomic (SE) aspects of life. The Europrevall study (EU FP6, 2005-2009) developed and validated a SE questionnaire to measure the direct, indirect and intangible costs of food allergy. This measure takes up to 1 hour to complete as participants are required to respond to 70 to 170 questions, depending on response choice. We aimed to develop a brief, reliable, standardized measure of the socio-economic impact of food allergy on patients’ everyday lives.

Growth parameters impairment in patients with food allergies.

Background and Aims. Food allergy (FA) is a common disease that is rapidly increasing in prevalence for reasons that remain unknown. Objective. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical characteristics and anthropometric data of patients with food allergies followed in a tertiary centre of allergy and immunology. Methods. A retrospective study was performed that assessed the data records of patients with food allergy diagnosis, covering a period from February 2009 to February 2012. Results. 354 patients were evaluated in the period; 228 (69.1%) patients had a confirmed FA diagnosis. The z-scores for weight-for-age, height-for-age, and body mass indices-for-age showed lower significant values in the FA group compared with the non-FA group by Mann-Whitney test, with significance values of P = 0.0005, P = 0.0030, and P = 0.0066, respectively. There were no statistical differences in sex, gestational age, birth type, breastfeeding period, and age of introduction of complementary formulas based on cow milk protein between groups. Conclusion. FA patients had a lower growth rate in comparison with patients without FA. The early recognition of food allergies with the establishment of protein-implicated diet exclusion, in association with an adequate nutrient replenishment, is important to reduce the nutritional impact of food allergies.

Health-related quality of life in food-allergic adults from eight European countries

BackgroundFood allergy can impair health-related quality of life (HRQL). Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaires (FAQLQs) have been developed and validated, including an adult form (FAQLQ-AF). HRQL has not, to date, been measured across different European countries using a uniform methodology. ObjectiveTo translate and validate the FAQLQ-AF for use in 8 European countries (Iceland, The Netherlands, Poland, France, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Sweden). MethodsThe English FAQLQ-AF was translated, back-translated, and compared for use in the 8 relevant European languages. Adults with a perceived food allergy were recruited from outpatient departments and through a community survey. Participants completed the FAQLQ-AF, the Food Allergy Independent Measure, and questions concerning participants' characteristics. Validity of the FAQLQ-AF was analyzed for use in the 8 countries. ResultsThe FAQLQ-AF had strong construct validity (r > 0.59) and an excellent internal consistency (Cronbach α > 0.95) in all countries. Total FAQLQ-AF scores (range 3.2–5.0) were significantly different across participating countries. ConclusionThe FAQLQ-AF is a suitable and valid instrument for measuring HRQL in food-allergic adults in Iceland, The Netherlands, Poland, France, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Sweden. The impact of food allergy on HRQL seems to differ among adults from the 8 participating European countries.

The Impact of Food Allergies on Quality of Life

CME EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES 1. Recognize and appreciate the impact of food allergies on psychosocial health. 2. List the factors that have been shown to negatively affect health-related quality of life. 3. Understand how physicians can directly help to improve a child's quality of life while living with food allergies. Food allergy is a serious problem affecting a growing number of children worldwide. There is a large body of evidence supporting the detrimental effects that food allergy can have on a child's quality of life. With validated tools, we can identify these children and focus on how to protect, guide, and help them to live a safe life. Recent research articulates how food allergies impact health-related quality of life (HRQL). There are studies reported from the child's perspective, as well as studies reported from the parent's perspective. With the development of validated disease and age-specific questionnaires, researchers can reliably gather data on the psychological aspect of children with food allergies. The purpose of this article is to provide a review of the literature examining the psycho-social impact of food allergies on children. This article was designed to outline suggestions to help physicians care for the whole child - both mind and body.

Impact of Food Allergy On Growth in the Pediatric Population

Impact of Food Allergy On Growth in the Pediatric Population

The management of food allergy in Indonesia.

Prevalence of allergic diseases is increasing worldwide, including food allergy. It is different between countries because food allergy can vary by culture and population. Prevalence of food allergy in Indonesia is unknown; therefore it is not known yet the burden and impact of food allergy in our population. However, we already start to formulate guidelines for diagnosis and management of food allergy, especially cow's milk allergy.

Inequalities in the economic and social cost of food allergy

The economic and social impact of food allergy affects many sectors of society.There are associated costs to individuals,their carers and their households,potentially over a lifetime. In the health sector resourses are required for diagnosis,support and education.The entire food chain is affected through extra costs,food regulations and moral obligations.Also the employment sector is affected in terms of lost productivity. There is currently a lack of information and clear methodology for assessing the economic and social cost of food allergy to the individual and to society.Hardest to quantify are the costs associated with quality of life factors such as health,financial security,standard of living, family and friends and general well-being.The Europrevall Project attempts to address these issues and acknowledges that further work in this area is required. It is possible to ilustrate the the social and economic impact of food allergy from the perspective of the individual and their families and carers through an examination of the issues regularly brought to the attention of patient support groups.These may not be easily quantifiable but are nonetheless very real.These impacts can be alleviated by ensuring that individuals and families receive the services they need and through improved understanding,awareness and training. Undoubtedly more research is needed in this area.Patient groups need to continue to support people coping with these challenges and to ensure that the requirement for education and training across the public and private sectors is recognised.

Nutritional behaviour and attitudes in food allergic children

The results showed school-aged children are significantly less interested in tasting new foods (p<.01) than younger children. Most of the children (76;71%) claimed to have a “monotonous” diet; in a rising rating scale from 1 to 5 they reported a mean score of 3.3. No differences were found between the two groups of age. When asked about causes of repetitive diet, the participants answered: strict avoidance (36), difficulties in making traditional recipes (23), a limited choice of food industry safe products (21) and low curiosity about food (23). Regarding participation to social events involving food, 17.5% of older children reported they never attend parties. Those who participate always (22;62.5%), or sometimes (7;20%) eat only “safe foods” (45%), or bring foods from home (24%), or take on both solutions. Younger children answered “sometimes” for the majority (39; 54%), a few “always” (27;37.5%) and only some “never” (6;8.5%). Conclusion The results underline the impact of food allergy in reducing interest about food and in influencing patients’ approach to social life. It is important to support families in arousing curiosity in children, suggesting recipes for a varied and stimulating diet.