New interventions, recommendations for controlling allergies & asthma in children

Financial strain and competing priorities at home may contribute to greater number of hospital readmissions of children with asthma from single-parent homes compared to dual-parent households, according to a new study presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Annual Meeting in Boston, Nov. 3-8.

The study, performed at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center showed that children in single-parent homes were 50 percent more likely to return to the hospital within 12 months for asthma or wheezing compared to children in households with two parents. Single-parent status, annual household income less than $60,000 and time constraints within the home were linked to this increased rate of readmission.

“Parents play an important role in controlling their child’s asthma and it takes time, energy and resources to follow their physician’s treatment plan, including reducing triggers and consistently giving medicines,” says Terri Moncrief, MD, ACAAI member. 

“That’s why it’s important to understand the constraints on single parents and identify innovative interventions to help these parents better manage their child’s symptoms and ultimately keep asthma under control.”

Title:  Single Parenthood, Increased Household Strain, and Child Asthma-Related morbidity

Too Few Food Allergies Confirmed by Oral Food Challenge

Oral food challenges are the gold standard for diagnosis of food allergy, yet few physicians are using the diagnostic method, according to a study presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Annual Meeting in Boston,
Nov. 3-8.

Among the 40,104 children surveyed, 3,339 cases of food allergy were identified.
Only 61.5 percent received a formal physician diagnosis. About 15 percent of children who received a physician diagnosis underwent an oral food challenge. Children with any severe symptoms such as anaphylaxis, wheezing, trouble breathing, and low blood pressure were more frequently diagnosed by a physician, and more frequently confirmed by oral food challenge.

Authors conclude that, because a large proportion of children with convincing food allergy are not diagnosed by a physician and not given a food challenge, food allergy may be underdiagnosed in the U.S. When food allergy is suspected, ACAAI recommends patients be referred to an allergist who can determine which food allergy tests to perform, determine if food allergy exists, and counsel patients on food allergy management.

“Oral food challenge provides a definitive diagnosis which is critical to providing proper disease management and prevent unnecessary avoidance of certain foods,” says Ruchi Gupta, MD, MPH, Children’s Memorial Hospital, Chicago. “Physicians may not be conducting the test due to the length of time it takes, 3-6 hours, and the low reimbursement for a food challenge.”

Title:  Diagnosis of Childhood Food Allergy in the United States

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Ashley Mattys
November 5, 2011
312-558-1770

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