Food Allergies Are Associated With a Substantially Higher Burden of Atopic Comorbidities and Increased Healthcare Use.

AIM: We assessed the prevalence of atopic comorbidities and healthcare service use among children with food allergies.

METHODS

This retrospective matched cohort study used data from a large health maintenance organisation, which insures and provides universal healthcare services. Children aged 0-18 years who were diagnosed with food allergies from 2001 to 2019 were matched 1:1 with non-allergic controls. Data on demographics, rate of comorbidities, and healthcare use were compared. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.

RESULTS

We identified 20 418 children with food allergies and matched them to 20 418 controls. Cases had significantly higher rates of allergic comorbidities, including allergic rhinitis (aOR 2.09, 95% CI 1.95-2.25), atopic dermatitis (aOR 2.04, 95% CI 1.94-2.14), and eosinophilic esophagitis (aOR 15.4, 95% CI 6.04-39.55; 104 vs. 5 events). Most prescription rates were markedly elevated, particularly for hydrolysed formulas (aOR 12.32, 95% CI 10.83-14.0). Specialist consultations were more frequent, with the greatest increases in gastroenterology (aOR 2.23, 95% CI 2.09-2.37) and pulmonology (aOR 2.03, 95% CI 1.90-2.17). General healthcare use was higher, including emergency department visits and hospitalisations.

CONCLUSION

Paediatric food allergies were associated with a substantially higher burden of atopic comorbidities and increased healthcare use in this large national cohort.