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Asthma and Food Allergy: Which Risks?
Emanuela di Palmo1, Marcella Gallucci1, Francesca Cipriani1
1Pediatric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
Insights
Pediatric asthma and food allergy are rising. Early food sensitization, especially to egg, increases allergic asthma risk, potentially worsening both conditions and leading to severe reactions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Allergology
- Immunology
Background:
- Increasing prevalence of pediatric asthma and food allergy.
- Early food sensitization, particularly to egg, is a risk factor for allergic asthma.
- Coexistence of asthma and food allergy can exacerbate both conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the link between food allergy and asthma in children.
- To discuss the negative mutual influence of these conditions.
- To highlight the importance of characterizing and managing this high-risk group.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on pediatric asthma and food allergy.
- Analysis of the relationship between early sensitization and disease development.
- Examination of clinical phenotypes and management strategies.
Main Results:
- Food sensitization, especially early in life, increases allergic asthma risk.
- Concurrent asthma and food allergy heighten the risk of severe asthmatic episodes and anaphylaxis.
- Accurate characterization and aggressive management are crucial for reducing morbidity and mortality.
Conclusions:
- A strong association exists between pediatric food allergy and asthma.
- The interplay between these conditions significantly impacts disease severity.
- Targeted clinical approaches are needed for high-risk children.
Abstract:
Over the past few decades, an increase in the prevalence of asthma and food allergy has been observed in the pediatric population. In infants, food sensitization, particularly to egg, has increased the risk of developing allergic asthma. This is even more likely if sensitization to food allergens occurs early within the first few years of life. It is indeed known that both diseases may be present simultaneously in the pediatric population, but coexistence may negatively influence the severity of both conditions by increasing the risk of life-threatening asthmatic episodes as well as food-related anaphylaxis. Therefore, an accurate clinical and phenotype characterization of this high-risk group of children with both asthma and food allergy and a more aggressive management might lead to reducing related morbidity and mortality. The aim of this review is to provide an updated overview on the close link between food allergy and asthma and their negative mutual influence.
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