Recent Study Suggests 1 in 10 Adults have Food Allergies, but Twice the Number Think They Do

Posted on: 16 January, 2019

In a recent study published in JAMA Network Open, researchers from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine found that about 19% of the 40,000 adult respondents to a survey self-reported food allergy. However, when researcher analyzed the reactions that they reported having, only 10.8% of patients’ responses were consistent with food allergy.

The study suggests that adult onset food allergy is more common than expected, afflicting more than 26 million in the US. In addition, patients who report having a food allergy would benefit from testing with an allergist to determine whether or not their symptoms are consistent with a food allergy.

For more information, please visit the link: jamanetwork.com/journals

Conditions Treated

Allergy Shots

Allergy immunotherapy, also called “allergy shots,” is prescribed to modify the immune system’s response to allergens with the goal of minimizing and/or preventing an allergen initiated inflammatory response.
Allergy Drops & Tablets

Allergy drops, and tablets are two forms of sublingual immunotherapy that are injection-free alternatives to allergy shots. Both contain environmental allergen such as pollen, dust mites, molds, cat, or dog.
Asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung condition that usually starts in childhood but can occur at any age. Allergists are considered the experts in asthma and diagnose this condition by history, exam and breathing tests of the airways.
Allergy & Sinus

Allergic rhinitis is one of the most common chronic conditions in the US. Individuals with allergic rhinitis develop allergy antibodies (IgE) targeted against allergens including pollen, animal proteins, dust mites, mold, and insect droppings.
Food Allergy

Food allergy affects 5% of children and 4% of adults in the United States and is defined as an adverse health event that is immune mediated and occurs reproducibly. Individuals with IgE mediated food allergy develop allergy antibodies (IgE) targeted against food allergens.
Allergic Rashes

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disorder that usually starts at age < 5 years. It is characterized by itchy skin that becomes inflamed with scratching. For this reason, atopic dermatitis is known as the “itch that rashes.”
Other Conditions