+1 (202) 780-3397
Rapid Communication - Journal of Food Nutrition and Health (2024) Volume 7, Issue 2
Food allergy severity, Anaphylaxis, and healthcare utilization
Min Hu *
Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- *Corresponding Author:
- Min Hu
Department of Neurosurgery
The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University
Nanchang, China
E-mail: min@hu.cn
Received: 27-Mar-2024, Manuscript No. AAJFNH-24-135371; Editor assigned: 30-Mar-2024, PreQC No. AAJFNH-24-135371(PQ); Reviewed:14-Apr-2024, QC No. AAJFNH-24-135371; Revised:22-Apr-2024, Manuscript No. AAJFNH-24-135371(R); Published: 29-Apr-2023, DOI:10.35841/ aajfnh-7.2.203
Citation: Hu M. Food allergy severity, Anaphylaxis, and healthcare utilization. J Food Nutr Health. 2024;7(2):203
Introduction
Food allergies have become a growing concern worldwide, affecting millions of individuals of all ages. While some food allergies may result in minor discomfort, others can have severe consequences, including anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Understanding the severity of food allergies and their impact on healthcare utilization is crucial for improving patient outcomes and healthcare system efficiency. Food allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to specific proteins in certain foods. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, with severity largely dependent on an individual's sensitivity to the allergen. Common allergenic foods include peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish [1].
Mild Symptoms: Mild food allergy symptoms often include itching, hives, or a runny nose. These symptoms can typically be managed with antihistamines and may not require immediate medical atteantion.
Moderate Symptoms: Moderate reactions can involve more severe skin symptoms, gastrointestinal discomfort, and wheezing. These may necessitate a visit to a healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment.
Severe Symptoms (Anaphylaxis): Anaphylaxis is the most severe and potentially life-threatening form of food allergy reaction. It can manifest with symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat or tongue, a drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness. Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical attention, often involving the administration of epinephrine, corticosteroids, and antihistamines [2].
Anaphylaxis is a critical concern within the context of food allergies due to its rapid onset and potential for fatal outcomes. Healthcare utilization associated with anaphylaxis encompasses various aspects, including emergency department visits, hospital admissions, and ongoing management.
Emergency Department Visits: Anaphylactic reactions often necessitate immediate care in an emergency department (ED). Patients experiencing anaphylaxis require prompt administration of epinephrine to reverse the allergic response and prevent further deterioration. This process involves several healthcare professionals, including nurses, physicians, and pharmacists [3].
Hospital Admissions: In severe cases of anaphylaxis, patients may require hospitalization for monitoring and further treatment. Hospital admissions can be resource-intensive, involving intensive care units and specialized medical personnel. The length of stay can vary depending on the severity of the reaction and any complications that arise.
Ongoing Management: After an anaphylactic episode, patients often require ongoing management, including allergen avoidance education and prescription of epinephrine auto-injectors. These measures are essential to reduce the risk of future anaphylactic events and improve patient safety.
The healthcare utilization associated with anaphylaxis imposes a significant economic burden on both patients and healthcare systems. Costs can accumulate from various sources, including ambulance services, ED care, hospitalization, and outpatient follow-up visits [4].
Ambulance Services: Patients who experience anaphylaxis may require ambulance transportation to the ED. Ambulance services can be costly, and these expenses can be exacerbated by the urgency of the situation.
Emergency Department Care: The initial evaluation and treatment of anaphylaxis in the ED involve numerous medical interventions, including epinephrine administration, intravenous fluids, and monitoring. ED care is often expensive due to the high level of expertise and resources required.
Hospitalization Costs: Hospital admissions for severe anaphylactic reactions can result in substantial healthcare expenditures. Costs include room and board, physician fees, diagnostic tests, and medications [5].
Ongoing Medication Costs: Patients diagnosed with severe food allergies, especially those who have experienced anaphylaxis, may require long-term management with epinephrine auto-injectors. These devices can be expensive and require regular replacement.
Efforts to reduce healthcare utilization and costs associated with food allergy-related anaphylaxis should focus on prevention and improved management strategies. Allergen Avoidance: Education and awareness campaigns can help individuals with food allergies and their caregivers better understand allergen avoidance strategies. This can reduce the likelihood of exposure to allergens and, consequently, the risk of anaphylactic reactions [6].
Improved Access to Epinephrine: Ensuring that individuals at risk of anaphylaxis have access to epinephrine auto-injectors is crucial. Efforts to make these life-saving devices more affordable and accessible are essential.
Education and Training: Healthcare professionals, including primary care physicians, allergists, and emergency responders, should receive training on recognizing and managing anaphylaxis effectively. This can lead to more efficient and cost-effective care.
Telemedicine: The integration of telemedicine can help individuals with food allergies receive guidance on management and follow-up care without the need for in-person visits, potentially reducing healthcare utilization and costs [7].
Food allergies, particularly those that can lead to anaphylaxis, are a serious public health concern. The severity of food allergies necessitates vigilant management and can lead to significant healthcare utilization, resulting in substantial economic costs. Reducing the burden of food allergy-related anaphylaxis requires a multifaceted approach, including improved allergen avoidance, greater access to epinephrine, education and training, and the integration of telemedicine. By addressing these aspects, we can enhance patient safety, improve healthcare efficiency, and alleviate the economic impact of food allergies on individuals and healthcare systems alike [8,10].
References
- Cai R, Yuan Y, Wang Z. Effects of preservatives on Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris growth and guaiacol production. Int J Food Microbiol. 2015;214:145-50.
- Kowalska H, Marzec A, Domian E. Edible coatings as osmotic dehydration pretreatment in nutrient enhanced fruit or vegetable snacks development: A review.Comprehensive Reviews Food Sci Food Safety. 2021;20(6):5641-74.
Indexed at, Google scholar, Cross Ref
- Oliveira DKÁ, Fernandes KF, de Souza EL. Current advances on the development and application of probiotic-loaded edible films and coatings for the bioprotection of fresh and minimally processed fruit and vegetables. 2021;10(9):2207.
- Celejewska K, Mieszczakowska Frac M, Konopacka D. The influence of ultrasound and cultivar selection on the biocompounds and physicochemical characteristics of dried blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) snacks.J Food Sci. 2018;83(9):2305-16.
- Yuvaraj D, Iyyappan J, Gnanasekaran R. Advances in bio food packaging–An overview. Heliyon. 2021;7(9):e07998.
- Zubair M, Ullah A. Recent advances in protein derived bionanocomposites for food packaging applications. Critical Reviews Food Sci Nutrition. 2020;60(3):406-34.
- Jafarzadeh S, Jafari SM. Impact of metal nanoparticles on the mechanical, barrier, optical and thermal properties of biodegradable food packaging materials. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition. 2021;61(16):2640-58.
- Sharma C, Dhiman R, Rokana N. Nanotechnology: An untapped resource for food packaging. Frontiers Microbiol. 2017;8:1735.
- Liu A, Dai Y, Xie X. Implementation of international code of marketing breast-milk substitutes in China. Breastfeeding Medicine. 2014;9(9):467-72.
- Theurich MA. Perspective: Novel commercial packaging and devices for complementary feeding. Advances Nutrition. 2018;9(5):581-9.