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Factitious food allergy and failure to thrive
T A Roesler1, P C Barry, S A Bock
1National Jewish Center for Immunology and Respiratory Medicine, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver.
Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
|November 1, 1994
Summary
Parental beliefs in factitious food allergies can cause severe dietary restrictions, leading to failure to thrive in children. Pediatricians must carefully evaluate these beliefs to prevent harmful long-term consequences.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy
- Child Nutrition
- Psychosomatic Medicine
Background:
- Parental beliefs regarding food allergies are common.
- Unsubstantiated beliefs can lead to significant dietary restrictions in children.
- Failure to thrive (FTT) is a serious concern in pediatric care.
Observation:
- This study reviewed cases of children with suspected food allergies and FTT.
- Eleven children with FTT and parental beliefs in multiple food allergies were identified.
- Most children had negative results on allergy tests and food challenges.
Findings:
- Only two of 11 children showed reactions during double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenges.
- The majority of suspected food allergies were not confirmed by objective testing.
- Parental beliefs, not actual allergies, were linked to severe dietary limitations.
Implications:
- Pediatricians must critically assess parental beliefs about food allergies.
- Unnecessary dietary restrictions can cause failure to thrive and long-term health issues.
- Collaboration with unsubstantiated parental beliefs can have detrimental effects on child health.
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