Australian scientists have concluded that early childhood food allergies are associated with asthma and decreased lung function later in life.
Study by the Murdoch Children's Research Institute and published in Lancet Child & Adolescent Health found that food allergies early in life are associated with an increased risk of asthma and reduced lung growth at age six.
The study involved 5,276 infants who were tested for common food allergens. At six years of age, children were screened with additional tests for food allergies and lung function.
The study found that by age six, 13.7% of children were diagnosed with asthma. Children with food allergies were almost four times more likely to develop asthma at age six than children without food allergies. The child was more likely to develop asthma if the food allergy persisted until the age of six, as opposed to those who outgrew the condition. Children with food allergies were also more likely to have reduced lung function.
Scientists believe that children with food allergies should be monitored by a clinical immunologist or allergist for continued treatment and education. And clinicians and parents should also be vigilant for asthma symptoms in children with food allergies because poorly controlled asthma is a risk factor for severe food allergies and anaphylaxis.