Article on fatal anaphylaxis to foods

Monday, 27 April 2009 20:44

An article to be published in the May issue of Current Allergy and Asthma Reports (Vol 9(3):179-85) briefly reviews the epidemiology of fatal anaphylactic reactions to foods, discusses factors that may aid in identifying individuals at higher risk, emphasizes important aspects of patient education and prevention, and touches on the psychological impact of having a family member with food allergy.

While current evidence suggests the incidence of food-induced anaphylaxis is increasing, it remains difficult to predict the likely severity of future allergic reactions to foods in a given individual, and similarly, the likely incidence of fatal allergic reactions to foods.  These factors are said to complicate care and cause concern to food-allergic patients, their family members, and health care providers.