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Published on: October 25, 2018
[Anaphylaxis and food allergy in children: a major problem in public health]
Insights
Childhood atopic diseases, including food allergy and anaphylaxis, are increasing due to modern hygiene practices reducing microbial exposure. Research explores tolerance induction and prevention strategies for these common chronic conditions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Atopic diseases are the most common chronic childhood illnesses in Western countries, affecting 15-30% of children.
- Incidence has risen dramatically over 30 years, linked to lifestyle changes and increased hygiene reducing microbial exposure.
- Food allergy and anaphylaxis are significant manifestations of atopy in early childhood, with five allergens causing 85% of cases.
Discussion:
- Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies for childhood atopy are analyzed.
- The role of reduced microbial burden from improved public health and hygiene is discussed.
- The increasing prevalence of food allergies and anaphylaxis in infants and young children is a major concern.
Key Insights:
- Modern lifestyle factors, including reduced childhood infections and increased hygiene, are hypothesized to contribute to the rise in atopic diseases.
- Five key allergens are implicated in the majority of severe food allergy cases.
- Effective management requires understanding diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Outlook:
- Further research into the induction of immune tolerance is crucial for prevention.
- Developing novel prevention strategies is essential to combat the rising incidence of atopic diseases.
- Continued investigation into the hygiene hypothesis and its impact on childhood immunity is warranted.
Abstract:
Atopic diseases represent the most prevalent chronic illness in childhood, affecting between 15-30 % of all children in Western countries (4th problem of public health for WOH). Their incidence increased dramatically during the past 30 years. The observed increase in atopic disorders was supposed to be a consequence of changes in lifestyle factors, including improvement in public health, reduction of childhood infection, vaccination programs and changes in family size and living conditions: these factors all reflect reduced microbial burden due to increased hygiene. Food allergy and anaphylaxis in the child are also becoming main manifestations of atopy in infancy and early childhood. Five allergens are responsible for about 85 % of all cases, that can be frequently life-threatening. Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of the disease are analysed. Research on induction of tolerance and prevention were also discussed.
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