A study presented at the recent 2025 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) annual meeting has revealed a rise in emergency room (ER) visits linked to food-related allergic reactions in young children, particularly infants.
The increase coincides with updated guidelines encouraging the early introduction of allergenic foods to infants between four and six months of age, especially those at higher risk of developing allergies. Researchers from University of California Los Angeles Health analysed emergency department data from 2013 to 2024 and found that food allergy-related visits among children under five rose significantly, with infants under one year driving the trend.
The study recorded 314 food-related ER visits and 177 cases of anaphylaxis, with a notable increase in cases among infants after the new guidelines were introduced. However, the severity of allergic reactions did not increase, suggesting many incidents were mild and potentially manageable at home.
Researchers believe the rise in ER visits reflects a shift in the timing of allergic reactions rather than an overall increase in food allergies. To address this, the team developed educational materials in English and Spanish to help parents recognise and manage mild reactions, aiming to reduce unnecessary ER visits while supporting the continued practice of early allergen introduction.
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