Prevalence of Parent-Reported Food Allergy in a Mexican Pre-School Population

Abstract

The magnitude and relevance of food allergies in the preschool population remain unknown in most regions of Mexico and Latin America. Thus, our aim was to estimate the parent-reported prevalence of food allergies in a Mexican preschool population and to characterize their clinical diagnosis and presentation. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Culiacán City. A validated questionnaire was utilized. A total of 810 parents responded to the questionnaire (valid response rate, 40.7%). The estimated prevalence rates (95% CI) were: "physician-diagnosed Food Allergy (FA), ever" 5.30% (3.86-7.08); "immediate-type FA, ever" 2.96% (1.91-4.38); "immediate-type FA, current" 1.60% (0.86-2.73); and food-dependent anaphylaxis 1.11% (0.51-2.01). The main food allergens were milk (0.49%), strawberries (0.37%), egg, and soy (0.25% each). Atopic diseases and a family history of allergies were significantly associated with immediate-type FA. Among "immediate-type FA, current" cases, 76.9% required emergency room visits, but the prescription of epinephrine autoinjectors was reported in one case only. The food reactions occurred at home (92.35%), in a relative's house (38.5), and at restaurants (23%). Immediate-type FA reactions requiring emergency room visits are not uncommon among the studied population. Actions like proper anaphylaxis management and the prevention of cross-contamination of foods should be encouraged.

Keywords: anaphylaxis; egg allergy; food allergen; food allergy; milk allergy; parent report; survey.

Figure 1

Foods and symptoms associated with “immediate-type food FA, current”. (A) Food allergy prevalence by specific food, presented as percentage and 95% confidence intervals. (B) frequency of specific symptoms in Mexican preschoolers with “immediate-type FA, current” (n = 13).

Figure 2

Characteristics of parent-reported physician-diagnosed food allergy cases. (A) Overlap of physician-diagnosed food allergy cases and individuals that fulfilled criteria for “Immediate-type FA, ever”. (B) Health professionals who made the diagnosis of food allergy and diagnostic method.