Relationship between treatment with antacid medication and the prevalence of food allergy in children

Allergy Asthma Proc. 2013 May-Jun;34(3):227-32. doi: 10.2500/aap.2013.34.3657.

Abstract

Food allergy affects 8% of preschool children, but factors responsible for food allergy in children are poorly understood. Use of antacid medication may be a contributing factor. The purpose of this study was to determine if parent-reported antacid medication use was associated with higher prevalence of food allergy in atopic children. In this cross-sectional study, parents of children with atopic diseases completed a questionnaire relating to a history of treatment with antacid medication and food allergy. Charts were independently reviewed for food-specific IgE and/or skin-prick test results. Food allergy was defined as a reaction to a food consistent with the anaphylaxis consensus statement and either an elevated food-specific IgE or a positive food skin-prick test. One hundred four questionnaires were completed. Mean age of the participating children was 7.0 ± 4.3 years (range, 5 months to 18 years of age). Forty-seven (45%) individuals were reported to have taken an antacid medication in the past. History of taking antacid medication was associated with an increased prevalence (57% (27)/47 versus 32% (18)/57) and higher prevalence of food allergy of having food allergy (aPR, 1.7 [1.1-2.5]). Mean peanut food-specific IgE was higher in those with a history of taking antacid medication (11.0 ± 5.0 versus 2.0 ± 5.5.; p = 0.01). History of treatment with antacid medication is associated with an increased prevalence of having food allergy.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Age Factors
  • Antacids / adverse effects*
  • Antacids / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Food Hypersensitivity / diagnosis
  • Food Hypersensitivity / epidemiology
  • Food Hypersensitivity / etiology*
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux / complications
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux / drug therapy
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Models, Statistical
  • Pilot Projects
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Substances

  • Antacids