[Prevalence of food sensitization in pediatric and adult patients with allergic diseases].

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of sensitization to food allergens in pediatric and adult patients with allergic diseases.

METHODOLOGY: A prospective, descriptive, observational, and cross-sectional study was conducted on pediatric and adult patients treated at the General Hospital of Mexico Dr. Eduardo Liceaga, between August 2024 and May 2025. Associated sociodemographic and clinical factors were identified, and prick skin tests were performed on patients with allergic diseases and suspected food allergies.

RESULTS

A total of 90 patients were registered. The 26.6% presented sensitization to food allergens, and 22.2% met allergy criteria. Allergic rhinitis was the most common comorbidity. A statistically significant association was found between older age and the presence of food allergen sensitization (p = 0.021), but not with food allergy (p = 0.28). The main allergens involved were walnut, casein, peanut, and shrimp.

CONCLUSION

Food allergy is common in patients with a history of allergies. The findings are consistent with previous studies and underscore the need for further research into this condition in the Mexican population.