Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 18, 2025
Nasal Brushing Sampling and Processing Using Digital High Speed Ciliary Videomicroscopy – Adaptation for the COVID-19 Pandemic
Published on: November 7, 2020
Paediatric allergy practice in the era of coronavirus disease 2019
S Shahzad Mustafa1, Marcus S Shaker2,3, Daniel Munblit4,5
1Department of Allergy, Immunology, & Rheumatology, Rochester Regional Health, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry.
Insights
The COVID-19 pandemic impacted paediatric allergy practice, highlighting the need for telemedicine and shared decision-making. Lessons learned will optimize future allergy care and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges to healthcare systems globally.
- Paediatric allergy services faced disruptions in routine care and diagnosis.
- Differentiating allergic conditions from COVID-19 symptoms required careful clinical assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on paediatric allergy practice.
- To identify adaptations and innovations in allergy care delivery during the pandemic.
- To explore the long-term implications of pandemic-induced changes on the field.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies published during the COVID-19 pandemic related to paediatric allergy.
- Analysis of changes in clinical practice, including telemedicine adoption.
- Evaluation of the impact on patient outcomes and disease incidence.
Main Results:
- Most allergic diseases were not identified as risk factors for severe COVID-19.
- Telemedicine adoption surged, improving access to specialist paediatric allergy care.
- Reduced respiratory viral infections due to public health measures may influence asthma and allergic rhinitis incidence.
- Increased acceptance of shared decision-making in food allergy management was observed.
Conclusions:
- The field of paediatric allergy demonstrated resilience and adaptability during the pandemic.
- Lessons learned from pandemic-related practice changes should inform future care models.
- Optimizing patient care and treatment strategies post-pandemic is crucial.
Purpose Of Review:
To summarize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the practice of paediatric allergy.
Recent Findings:
Given significant overlap in symptoms, care must be taken to differentiate routine allergic conditions from COVID-19 infection but it appears that most allergic diseases are not risk factors for a severe COVID-19 course. The full impact of restricted allergy/immunology ambulatory services will take months to years to fully understand. One benefit of having to adapt practice style is greater awareness and acceptance of shared decision-making and recognition of preference-sensitive care options in food allergy, in particular for approaches towards allergy prevention, treatment, and anaphylaxis care. Social distancing and masks have helped reduce spread of common respiratory viruses, which may be helping to lower the incidence of viral-associated wheezing episodes, enhancing evidence of the effects of preventing exposure of young children to respiratory viruses on asthma pathogenesis, as well as on allergic rhinitis. There has been a revolution in the rise of telemedicine to increase access to high-quality allergy/immunology specialty care.
Summary:
Although the field has adapted to remain operational in the face of a significant challenge, it is important to apply lessons learned to evolve patient care and optimize treatment in the aftermath of the pandemic.
Related Concept Videos
02:06Allergic Reactions
01:27Allergic Drug Reactions
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
01:23Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption
01:29Drug Dosing: Infants and Children