Multiple Food Allergies Hit Kids' Quality of Life Hard, Study Shows
Swedish researchers found that children with multiple food allergies or cow's milk allergy experience significantly worse health outcomes than those with single allergies. The findings identify high-risk groups who need targeted support, with implications for healthcare systems, schools, and food industry policies around allergen management.
Originaltitel: Health-Related Quality of Life in Children, 1-12 Years Old, With Food Allergy in Sweden
<p>Aim Food allergy in children is a potentially serious condition. Continuous allergen avoidance and risk of anaphylaxis can cause stress, fear and anxiety. The aim of this study was to describe health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children with food allergies in Sweden, and to examine the impact of age, sex, disease severity and the number of food allergies.Methods This cross-sectional study included parents of children, 1-12 years old, with food allergies. Fifty-two parents completed the Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire-Parental Form (FAQLQ-PF) online.Results Persistent food allergy was reported in 48 (92%) children. Those who had an epinephrine autoinjector, more than three allergies, symptoms affecting 4-6 organ systems, or an allergy to cow's milk reported worse health-related quality of life (HRQoL) than those without. Age, sex and history of anaphylaxis did not significantly impact HRQoL.Conclusion Children with food allergies face reduced HRQoL when burdened by multiple allergens, widespread symptoms or cow's milk allergy, especially those prescribed epinephrine autoinjectors. Identifying and supporting these high-risk groups is essential to improving their well-being.</p>