CHILDHOOD ANAPHYLAXIS: NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

CHILDHOOD_ANAPHYLAXIS_NEW_DEVELOPMENTS _IN_DIAGNOSIS_AND_TREATMENT_kapak

FOOD ANAPHYLAXIS IN CHILDREN

Niyazi Onur Şapcı1 Ayşe Aygün2

1Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Immunology and Allergic Diseases, Eskişehir, Türkiye
2İzmir City Hospital, Department of Pediatric Immunology and Allergic Diseases, İzmir, Türkiye

Şapcı NO, Aygün A. Food Anaphylaxis in Children. In: Harmancı K, editor. Childhood Anaphylaxis: New Developments in Diagnosis and Treatment. 1st ed. Ankara: Türkiye Klinikleri; 2025. p.65-77.

ABSTRACT

Food anaphylaxis in children is a severe allergic reaction that develops rapidly and can be life-threatening. Its occurrence has increased in recent years, making it a significant public health concern, particularly among children. Food allergens, such as egg, cow’s milk, peanuts, and nuts, are the most common triggers for anaphylaxis in this age group. The prevalence of these allergens may vary according to geographical regions. These reactions typically present with respiratory symptoms, such as wheezing and coughing.

The severity of anaphylaxis depends on factors such as age, genetic predisposition, coexisting conditions like asthma, and the timing of treatment. Food anaphylaxis is often linked to IgE-mediated allergic reactions, although non-IgE-mediated mechanisms can also play a role in some cases. Moreover, genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and comorbidities play a role in the management of anaphylaxis in children. Triggering factors can increase the severity of food-induced reactions. Therefore, greater awareness and education about food anaphylaxis are needed. Early recognition and prompt administration of epinephrine are crucial for preventing fatal outcomes. The most crucial step in diagnosing food allergies is a detailed patient history. Skin prick tests, specific IgE, and molecular allergy tests provide supportive data. The gold standard is the Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Food Challenge (DBPCFC), performed in specialized centers due to anaphylaxis risk. Adrenaline is the first-line treatment and should be administered promptly. Long-term management includes carrying epinephrine auto-injectors and education for families and schools. Although elimination diets help control food allergies, they must be planned carefully for nutritional and psychosocial well-being. Recently, oral immunotherapy (OIT) and biologics, especially anti-IgE treatments, have gained importance. Omalizumab has FDA approval and reduces OIT side effects. Future management will focus on personalized treatment and genetic approaches.

Keywords: Food anaphilaxis in children; Diagnosis; Clinical features; Treatment

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