Top in allergy/asthma: Pediatric psychology referrals surge; esophagitis risk in children

A retrospective chart review revealed a 50% increase in outpatient pediatric psychology referrals from the Food Allergy Treatment Center between 2013 and 2023.

Among 250 patients, 88% received referrals; of them, 69% reported experiencing anxiety related to food allergies and 12% reported quality-of-life impairment.

“Discussion of anxiety and decreased quality of life should occur with every child and family who has food allergies,” David R. Stukus, MD, FACAAI, professor of clinical pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine and director of the Food Allergy Treatment Center, told Healio. “This should occur both at the time of initial diagnosis by providing evidence-based education surrounding risks from various exposures and management principles to navigate daily life. It should also be addressed at every follow-up visit as new anxiety can occur after accidental ingestion or even from reading scary stories online.”

According to Stukus, the study results highlight the growing need for psychological support for children with food allergy-related anxiety.

It was the top story in allergy/asthma last week.

In another top story, researchers found that children with food allergy had a higher risk for developing eosinophilic esophagitis compared with those who had other atopic conditions.

Read these and more top stories in allergy/asthma below:

Food allergy-related pediatric psychology referrals surge in last 10 years

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