Prevalence of Food Allergy among Children with Bronchial Asthma

Abstract

Background: Asthma and food allergy are closely related. They can share the same risk factors, such as the family history of allergy, atopic eczema, and allergen sensitization. Asthmatic children with food allergy have an increased risk for severe asthma, especially during anaphylaxis. The prevalence of both conditions has been increasing over recent decades. Patients with food allergy should be educated to eliminate food to which they are allergic. The avoidance of allergic food is the cornerstone of the treatment of IgE mediated food allergy. Methods: This study included 113 asthmatic children attending to the pediatric outpatient clinic. For each patient, assessment of asthma severity, quality of life questionnaire and serum specific IgE of food allergen were measured when indicated. Results: The prevalence of food allergy among asthmatic children included in this study was about 38.9%. Children who suffer from both bronchial asthma and food allergy had more severe asthma and poorer quality of life when compared with asthmatic children who have no evidence of food allergy. Conclusion: food allergy is a common coincidence with asthma in the pediatric population.