- In the largest-ever study of pediatric allergies, researchers from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia analyzed electronic health records from more than 200,000 children.
- The researchers reported that eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a rare food allergy previously associated with white males, is more common among non-white people than previously believed.
- They say this research underscores the significant impact of allergic conditions on children’s well-being and emphasizes the need for a precise understanding of their prevalence and risk factors, while also highlighting the importance of collaborative diagnoses between healthcare providers and families.
In new research, published in the journal Pediatrics, scientists are reporting on how allergic conditions can significantly impact the quality of life of children and are among the leading factors affecting their well-being.
They say their findings confirm a widespread phenomenon known as the “allergic march,” where allergies initially manifest as eczema, followed by food allergies, asthma, and environmental allergies.
The study also revealed that the rare food allergy known as eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), thought to predominantly affect white males, is more prevalent among the non-white population than previously understood.
Previous investigations into the prevalence and trends of allergies have relied on surveys filled out by families.
However, the approach taken in this study involved accessing and reviewing electronic health records, providing the researchers with data directly from healthcare providers.
The researchers say this method enabled them to analyze patterns at a population level, track changes over time, and reduce the potential for reporting bias.
Researchers utilized a vast database known as the Comparative Effectiveness…
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