1
|
Sansweet S, Rolling C, Ebisawa M, Wang J, Gupta R, Davis CM. Reaching Communities Through Food Allergy Advocacy, Research, and Education: A Comprehensive Analysis. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2024; 12:310-315. [PMID: 38151118 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2023.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
This article explores the multifaceted approach of food allergy (FA) advocacy, research, and education to address the diverse challenges associated with FA, such as disparities in socioeconomic status, food security, quality of life, and the overall burden of the disease. Advocacy initiatives are instrumental in driving policy changes, raising public awareness, and directing substantial research funding, with a focus on reducing disparities. They have influenced allergen labeling regulations and improved access to epinephrine, emphasizing the importance of school-based management plans, especially in underserved communities. Research in FA informs medical practices and offers them hope for improved treatments. Recent breakthroughs in peanut allergy prevention and oral immunotherapy trials exemplify the potential for advancements while highlighting the need to address disparities in health care access. Education is a critical tool for prevention, raising awareness, and reducing the risk of allergic reactions. Efforts should be tailored to reach marginalized communities, particularly in schools where education on FA management is essential. Collaborating directly with communities is imperative to ensure inclusivity and address disparities. Barriers such as mistrust, language and cultural differences, and lack of diversity among researchers must be overcome to encourage diverse participation in research studies. This article concludes by emphasizing the significance of a comprehensive approach to FA research that prioritizes equity and inclusivity. The call to action highlights the need for global initiatives to reshape the landscape of FA care and address disparities in health care access and outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Sansweet
- Center for Food Allergy and Asthma Research, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Ill
| | - Corwin Rolling
- Center for Food Allergy and Asthma Research, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Ill
| | - Motohiro Ebisawa
- Clinical Research Center for Allergy and Rheumatology, National Hospital Organization Sagamihara National Hospital, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Julie Wang
- Jaffe Food Allergy Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Ruchi Gupta
- Center for Food Allergy and Asthma Research, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Ill; Department of Pediatrics and Medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, Ill
| | - Carla M Davis
- Division of Immunology, Allergy, and Retrovirology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Texas Children's Hospital Food Allergy Program, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Keohane H, Cronin C, O'Rourke E, O'Kelly C, Ramesh Y, Flores L, Velasco R, Trujillo J. Teaching children with food allergy to recognize anaphylaxis: The caregivers' perspectives. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2023; 34:e14006. [PMID: 37622255 DOI: 10.1111/pai.14006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anaphylaxis is rising in prevalence among children. The current recommendations on the effective transition of anaphylaxis management to adolescents and young adults suggest preparation for the transition may be considered at 11-13 years of age in accordance with the patient's developmental stage. However, there has been limited research conducted on the perspective of caregivers regarding the transition of anaphylaxis management to their children. This study aims to determine the age caregivers feel it is appropriate to begin to teach their child to recognize anaphylaxis and use their adrenaline auto-injectors (AAI). METHODS Caregivers of pediatric allergy patients who have been diagnosed with IgE-mediated food allergy and have an AAI prescription were contacted by phone and invited to complete a questionnaire about when they feel it is appropriate to begin to teach their child to recognize anaphylaxis and use their AAI. RESULTS Of the 123 responses to the questionnaire received, 44.7% indicated that 9-11 years was the appropriate time for teaching their children to self-inject an AAI. History of severe anaphylaxis (94.3%), child's ability to describe reasons to inject adrenaline (87.8%), and demonstrate AAI use (82.1%) were "very important" readiness factors identified. Almost half of caregivers were "not confident" (8.94%) or "somewhat confident" (40.65%) in training their child to use AAI. Caregivers with higher household incomes more frequently identified themselves as the party responsible for training their children to use AAI (p = .04). CONCLUSION Caregivers in this sample expressed different perspectives than the current guidelines regarding the timing to initiate the transition of anaphylaxis management to their child. Caregivers expressed suboptimal confidence in teaching their children to use AAI. Clinicians should be aware of the factors that may indicate caregivers' desire to initiate an earlier transition of anaphylaxis management to their child and ensure access to appropriate training, education and support is available.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Keohane
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Caoimhe Cronin
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Eimear O'Rourke
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Ciobha O'Kelly
- Department of Paediatrcs, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | - Yukta Ramesh
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Laura Flores
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Roberto Velasco
- Paediatric Emergency Unit, Hospital Universitari Parc Tauli Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Trujillo
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Paediatrcs, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
- Cork University Hospital, Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research (INFANT), HRB Clinical Research Facility Cork (CRF-C), Cork, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Koo LW, Baur C, Horowitz AM, Wang MQ. Parental Health Literacy, Empowerment, and Advocacy for Food Allergy Safety in Schools: A Cross-Sectional Study. Health Lit Res Pract 2023; 7:e165-e175. [PMID: 37698847 PMCID: PMC10495122 DOI: 10.3928/24748307-20230823-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 8% of elementary school-aged children in the United States have food allergies, a complicated health management situation that requires parents to use many types of health literacy, empowerment, and advocacy skills to work with school staff to protect their children. OBJECTIVE This cross-sectional study examined (a) whether the highest versus lowest levels of functional, communicative, and critical health literacy are associated with higher perceived effectiveness of parental advocacy behaviors for safe food allergy management in schools [parental advocacy]; and (b) whether communicative and critical health literacy are more strongly associated with parental advocacy than functional health literacy. METHODS A sample of parents of elementary school-aged children was recruited through 26 food allergy organizations and a research patient registry. Participants completed an anonymous online survey. Self-reported measurements of parental health literacy, empowerment, and advocacy were adapted and refined through pre-testing and pilot-testing. General linear model analyses were conducted to predict parental advocacy. KEY RESULTS Participants (N = 313) were predominantly White, college-educated mothers with moderately high levels of food allergy knowledge, health literacy, empowerment, and parental advocacy skills. Parents who scored at the highest levels in the three dimensions of health literacy reported they engaged in more effective advocacy behaviors than parents who scored at the lowest levels. Parental advocacy was predicted largely by parental empowerment and the quality of the relationship with the school (B = .41 and B = .40, respectively). Functional health literacy and the child's diagnosis of asthma were smaller predictors. While accounting for covariates, functional health literacy was significantly associated with parental advocacy whereas communicative and critical health literacy were not. CONCLUSIONS Interventions to impact parental empowerment and parent-school relationships, including a health-literate universal precautions approach of communicating food allergy school policies, may influence parental advocacy for food allergy safety in schools. Further research could use a performance-based multidimensional measure of health literacy. [HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice. 2023;7(3):e165-e175.].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura W. Koo
- Address correspondence to Laura W. Koo, PhD, MS, FNP-BC, University of Maryland School of Nursing, 655 West Lombard Street, Suite 375D, Baltimore, MD 21201;
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Limited Health Literacy and Its Associated Health Outcomes Among Adults With at Least 2 Atopic Diseases. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2023; 11:1429-1438.e6. [PMID: 36634845 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2022.12.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health literacy (HL) is essential for patients with multiple atopic diseases to improve their health, given the complexity of their disease and treatment regimens. OBJECTIVE To estimate the proportion of adults with multiple atopic diseases (at least 2 of atopic dermatitis, asthma, allergic rhinitis, and food allergy) in the Dutch general population and to evaluate the prevalence of limited HL, and its association with socioeconomic status (SES), lifestyle factors, and health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) in this patient population. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted within the Lifelines Cohort Study via sending an add-on digital questionnaire, including (among others) questions on atopic dermatitis, to all adult participants (n = 135,950) between February and May 2020. Data on asthma, allergic rhinitis, lifestyle factors, HR-QoL, and SES were extracted from baseline assessment between 2006 and 2013. Functional, communicative, and critical HL were measured by validated items from Chew and the Dutch Functional Communicative and Critical Health Literacy questionnaires between 2012 and 2016. Food allergy was measured by the Food Allergy Questionnaire between 2014 and 2016. RESULTS In total, 11.8% of the overall study population reported ever having multiple atopic diseases; of those, 23.6% reported having limited functional HL, with a higher prevalence among those with a low SES. Limited functional HL showed positive associations with smoking, obesity, chronic stress, a low diet quality, and decreased HR-QoL among subjects with multiple atopic diseases. CONCLUSIONS We identified an HL deficit, and its association with a low SES and poor health outcomes among patients with multiple atopic diseases. Further research is warranted to utilize a more extensive assessment to measure HL and include more health outcomes, such as treatment adherence and disease control.
Collapse
|
5
|
Disparities in the Diagnosis and Management of Anaphylaxis. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2023; 23:13-19. [PMID: 36454450 DOI: 10.1007/s11882-022-01053-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The goal of this review is to characterize health disparities impacting the recognition and treatment of anaphylaxis. RECENT FINDINGS Previous research has identified major health disparities related to atopic conditions including asthma, atopic dermatitis, and food allergies (FA); however, disparities related to anaphylaxis have yet to be examined in depth. We found widespread health disparities in the incidence and severity of anaphylaxis, as well as in the management of allergies (particularly food allergies) that place individuals at risk of anaphylaxis. Sociodemographic factors are associated with numerous negative health outcomes related to anaphylaxis. We highlight several key steps that must be taken to address these disparities.
Collapse
|
6
|
Jones BL, Carter MC, Davis CM, Wang J. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: A Decade of Progress? THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2023; 11:116-125. [PMID: 36272720 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2022.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental and more recently heavily discussed within medicine, research, and the larger society. There is increasing awareness that diversity of thoughts, perspectives, and backgrounds yields stronger teams and more effective results. There is also increasing awareness that stark inequities from systemic, institutional, and individual levels exist that limit the baseline opportunities for many populations. To close disparity gaps, broad aspects of diversity and promoting equity are required and efforts must be inclusive of those most marginalized. In this Clinical Commentary, we discuss, "How and If progress has been made in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion within the field of Allergy/Asthma/Immunology in the past decade?" We discuss the current state of clinical practice and what has been revealed over the past 10 years; describe our current workforce and what progress has or has not occurred there; and finally, review the state of scientific and medical research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bridgette L Jones
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Allergy, Asthma, Immunology and Division of Pediatric Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutic Innovation, University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine, Children's Mercy Hospital Kansas City, Kansas City, Mo.
| | - Melody C Carter
- Mast Cell Biology Section, Laboratory of Allergic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md
| | - Carla M Davis
- Division of Immunology, Allergy and Retrovirology, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Julie Wang
- Jaffe Food Allergy Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy & Immunology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Dupuis R, Phipatanakul W, Bartnikas LM. Social disparities in early childhood prevention and management of food allergy. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 151:37-41. [PMID: 36608981 PMCID: PMC9830563 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2022.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Food allergy (FA) affects 8% of US children. Navigating and managing FA permeates across multiple facets of childhood. In this article, we review research on social disparities in feeding practices, managing meals, and selecting childcare and schools. Key highlights include the following: (1) although preference for breast-feeding or formula feeding does not reduce FA risk, there are disparities in access to formula that may affect children with FA; (2) disparities likely exist in the early introduction to allergenic foods, though additional research is needed to identify barriers to following the most recent consensus guidelines on early introduction; (3) families with limited income face challenges in providing safe meals for their children; (4) disparities exist in early childcare options for preschool-age children, though there is a lack of research on FA practices in these settings; and (5) there is evidence that schools with different student demographics implement different types of FA policies. Further research is needed to better understand and characterize social disparities in FA prevention and management in early childhood and to develop evidence-based strategies to reduce them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roxanne Dupuis
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Mass
| | - Wanda Phipatanakul
- Department of Medicine, Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Mass; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Lisa M Bartnikas
- Department of Medicine, Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Mass; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
LeBovidge JS, Herbert LJ, Ramos A, Rotter N, Sicherer SH, Young MC, Pistiner M, Phipatanakul W, Bartnikas LM, Bingemann TA. The Development of Age-Based Food Allergy Educational Handouts for Caregivers and Patients: A Work Group Report of the AAAAI Adverse Reactions to Foods Committee. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2022; 10:2552-2558. [PMID: 36030195 PMCID: PMC9555009 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2022.01.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food allergy education is an ongoing process that must address unique safety concerns and psychosocial challenges at each developmental stage. Families require reliable information that is targeted to specific developmental stages to support the integration of food allergy management into daily life. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this project was to develop age-specific, evidence-based patient education handouts with practical recommendations for managing and coping with food allergies at different developmental stages. METHODS Handout content was based on: (1) practice guidelines for food allergy management; (2) literature addressing psychosocial and educational needs of patients with food allergy and their caregivers; and (3) clinical experience of the project team. Fifty-seven caregivers of patients (aged 0-21 years) with food allergy and 2 young adults with food allergy reviewed a draft of the handouts and completed an online survey to assess handout acceptability and usability and identify areas for improvement. Handouts were revised based on participant feedback. RESULTS The majority of participants (79%) rated the amount of information in the age-specific handouts as "just right," versus "not enough" (9%) or "too much" information (12%). Sixty-three percent reported that they would be "very likely" to use the handouts as a resource and 35% "somewhat likely." Almost all participants (88%-100% by item) agreed that the handouts used elements of plain language writing and clear communication. CONCLUSION Caregivers rated the age-based food allergy education handouts as understandable and useful. We anticipate that these handouts could be used during health care visits and directly accessed online by families.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer S LeBovidge
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Mass; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass.
| | - Linda J Herbert
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC; Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
| | - Ashley Ramos
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC; Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
| | - Nancy Rotter
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass; Department of Pediatrics, Food Allergy Center, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, Mass
| | - Scott H Sicherer
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Elliot and Roslyn Jaffe Food Allergy Institute, Kravis Children's Hospital, New York, NY; Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Michael C Young
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Mass; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Michael Pistiner
- Department of Pediatrics, Food Allergy Center, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, Mass; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Wanda Phipatanakul
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Mass; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Lisa M Bartnikas
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Mass; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Theresa A Bingemann
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology and Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY; Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology and Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Park HH, Haft MA, Burdick EA, Boiko S. Creating patient-directed education in pediatric dermatology: A guide for creators. Pediatr Dermatol 2022; 39:155-161. [PMID: 34986507 DOI: 10.1111/pde.14908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Current medical literature and practice utilize limited resources to enhance pediatric patients' coping with and understanding of disease. Here, we provide a template for accessing current resources and developing practice-specific written materials focused on the child's experience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helen H Park
- Department of Dermatology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA.,Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California, USA.,School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Michael A Haft
- Department of Dermatology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA.,Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California, USA.,School of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | | | - Susan Boiko
- Department of Dermatology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA.,Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Vaillancourt R, Cameron JD. Health literacy for children and families. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 88:4328-4336. [PMID: 34155667 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.14948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The relationship between reading ability and health, known as health literacy, broadly reflects the skills and competencies required to operate within the healthcare environment. It is only recently that we have seen attempts to conceptualize health literacy in the context of medication use by using terms such as medication literacy. Health literacy changes over one's lifetime and is dependent on factors such as numeracy, education, income, gender and country. Low health literacy and low medication literacy have been identified as significant risk factors for poor health outcomes of adults and children. With an evaluation of common tools used to assess health literacy and medication literacy, the aim of this review is to describe the shared responsibility between patients and healthcare providers for the communication of health and medication information. Key strategies and interventions to improve two-way communication between patients and healthcare providers are highlighted, with a focus on how health literacy can impact child health outcomes.
Collapse
|
11
|
Brough HA, Gourgey R, Radulovic S, Caubet JC, Lack G, Anagnostou A. Latest Developments in the Management of Nut Allergies. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN ALLERGY 2021; 8:97-110. [PMID: 34150446 PMCID: PMC8203721 DOI: 10.1007/s40521-021-00290-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of review In this review, we sought to describe the most recent advances in the dietary and medical management of peanut and tree nut allergy, including selective introduction and immunotherapy. Recent findings Dietary updates include changes to labeling laws, improved information sources, and new apps for buying foods in shops and overseas to better protect individuals with nut allergies. There are still issues in the management of nut allergies in schools, such as parents having to resort to packed lunches instead of school meals and patients experiencing bullying. Air travel also poses concern, but additional resources are now available to travelers, and recent evidence suggest limited airborne exposure to nuts. The medical management of anaphylaxis is use of epinephrine; however, this remains underutilized. Needle length and administration devices have been recently debated considering the risk of bone penetration vs subcutaneous administration, and autoinjectors seem to deliver higher peak concentrations than syringes. Selective nut introduction has gained momentum in the last 5 years, demonstrating improved quality of life but with the need for motivated parents for continued consumption and available resources for challenges. Immunotherapy to nuts is also a rapidly developing field, with the balance of efficacy and safety being important considerations in the differing modes of administration. Summary The management of nut allergies is a rapidly developing field, and dietary and medical management have progressed significantly in the last 5 years. Future research directions include improving safety and efficacy of food immunotherapy and examining patients’ goals for therapy and treatment outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H A Brough
- Paediatric Allergy Group, Department Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.,Paediatric Allergy Group, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.,Children's Allergy Service, Evelina Children's Hospital, Guy's and St. Thomas's NHS Foundation Trust, 2nd Floor, Stairwell B, South Wing, Westminster Bridge Rd, London, SE1 7EH UK
| | - R Gourgey
- Department of Paediatric Allergy, The Royal London Children's Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, E1 1FR, London, UK
| | - S Radulovic
- Paediatric Allergy Group, Department Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.,Paediatric Allergy Group, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.,Children's Allergy Service, Evelina Children's Hospital, Guy's and St. Thomas's NHS Foundation Trust, 2nd Floor, Stairwell B, South Wing, Westminster Bridge Rd, London, SE1 7EH UK
| | - J C Caubet
- Pediatric Allergy Unit, University Hospitals of Geneva and University of Geneva, Rue Willy Donzé, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - G Lack
- Paediatric Allergy Group, Department Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.,Paediatric Allergy Group, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.,Children's Allergy Service, Evelina Children's Hospital, Guy's and St. Thomas's NHS Foundation Trust, 2nd Floor, Stairwell B, South Wing, Westminster Bridge Rd, London, SE1 7EH UK
| | - A Anagnostou
- Section of Allergy, Immunology and Retrovirology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Section of Allergy, Immunology and Retrovirology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Davis CM, Apter AJ, Casillas A, Foggs MB, Louisias M, Morris EC, Nanda A, Nelson MR, Ogbogu PU, Walker-McGill CL, Wang J, Perry TT. Health disparities in allergic and immunologic conditions in racial and ethnic underserved populations: A Work Group Report of the AAAAI Committee on the Underserved. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2021; 147:1579-1593. [PMID: 33713767 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2021.02.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Health disparities are health differences linked with economic, social, and environmental disadvantage. They adversely affect groups that have systematically experienced greater social or economic obstacles to health. Renewed efforts are needed to reduced health disparities in the United States, highlighted by the disparate impact on racial minorities during the coronavirus pandemic. Institutional or systemic patterns of racism are promoted and legitimated through accepted societal standards, and organizational processes within the field of medicine, and contribute to health disparities. Herein, we review current evidence regarding health disparities in allergic rhinitis, asthma, atopic dermatitis, food allergy, drug allergy, and primary immune deficiency disease in racial and ethnic underserved populations. Best practices to address these disparities involve addressing social determinants of health and adopting policies to improve access to specialty care and treatment for the underserved through telemedicine and community partnerships, cross-cultural provider training to reduce implicit bias, inclusion of underserved patients in research, implementation of culturally competent patient education, and recruitment and training of health care providers from underserved communities. Addressing health disparities requires a multilevel approach involving patients, health providers, local agencies, professional societies, and national governmental agencies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carla M Davis
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Tex; Texas Children's Hospital Food Allergy Program, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Tex.
| | - Andrea J Apter
- Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Adrian Casillas
- Texas Tech Health Sciences Center, Sierra Providence Medical Partners, El Paso, Tex
| | - Michael B Foggs
- Advocate Medical Group, Advocate Aurora Health Clinic, Chicago, Ill
| | - Margee Louisias
- Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Mass
| | | | - Anil Nanda
- Asthma and Allergy Center, Lewisville, Tex; Asthma and Allergy Center, Flower Mound, Tex; University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Tex
| | - Michael R Nelson
- Allergy-Immunology Service, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Md
| | - Princess U Ogbogu
- Case Western Reserve University-Rainbow Babies and Children/UH Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Cheryl Lynn Walker-McGill
- Carolina Complete Health, Charlotte, NC; Wingate University Graduate School of Business, Charlotte, NC
| | - Julie Wang
- Elliot and Roslyn Jaffe Food Allergy Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Tamara T Perry
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Ark; Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, Ark
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Glassberg B, Nowak-Wegrzyn A, Wang J. Factors contributing to underuse of epinephrine autoinjectors in pediatric patients with food allergy. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2020; 126:175-179.e3. [PMID: 32950683 PMCID: PMC7498408 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2020.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epinephrine autoinjectors (EAs) are the standard of care for severe food allergic reactions, although they are frequently underused or misused. OBJECTIVE To understand the factors associated with underuse of EA by caregivers of pediatric patients with food allergy. METHODS A survey was administered to 200 caregivers of pediatric patients with food allergies to assess most severe lifetime allergic reaction, EA education, and use and factors associated with incorrect use or underutilization. RESULTS A total of 164 surveys were completed; of which 118 (72%) of lifetime most severe reactions warranted EA use, but the EA was used in only 45 (38.1%). Reasons caregivers indicated for not administering the EA included the following: reactions did not seem severe enough; it was the patient's first allergic reaction; use of other medication; and fear of using EA. CONCLUSION Multiple factors contribute to underuse of EA in the treatment of severe allergic reactions. Results from this study highlight the need for continuous EA education in caregivers of and pediatric patients with food allergies, using a multipronged approach targeting clear symptom recognition and alleviation of fear of EA use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Glassberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy & Immunology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.
| | - Anna Nowak-Wegrzyn
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York; Department of Pediatrics, Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Julie Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy & Immunology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Venter C, Sicherer SH, Greenhawt M. Management of Peanut Allergy. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE 2020; 7:345-355.e2. [PMID: 30717865 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2018.10.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Peanut allergy is a growing public health concern in westernized countries. Peanut allergy is characterized as an often severe and lifelong allergy, which can have detrimental effects on quality of life and trigger anxiety. Although multiple therapeutic options are emerging, the focus of current management strategies is strict peanut avoidance and carriage of self-injectable epinephrine. The greatest risk of reacting to peanut comes from direct ingestion, whereas casual skin contact or airborne exposure is highly unlikely to provoke significant symptoms. Patients and families must be educated about how to best execute strict peanut avoidance through careful label reading as well as how to understand and address likely and unlikely risk with regard to peanut exposure in public, in particular when dining outside of the home and for children attending school or child care. This review discusses the risk of exposure in public such as at school or on an airplane and how such risk can be abated, situations and scenarios when dining out of the house that may pose more risks than others, the essentials of US and EU label reading laws with particular emphasis on precautionary labeling and the risk implied by such, quality of life and psychosocial issues that may affect the peanut allergic individual and family, and a discussion of how risk may differ and evolve based on the patient's age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carina Venter
- Section of Allergy and Immunology, Children's Hospital Colorado, Food Challenge and Research Unit, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colo; The David Hide Asthma and Allergy Research Centre, Newport, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom.
| | - Scott H Sicherer
- Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the Jafee Food Allergy Institute, New York, NY
| | - Matthew Greenhawt
- Section of Allergy and Immunology, Children's Hospital Colorado, Food Challenge and Research Unit, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colo
| |
Collapse
|