May 22, 2013

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


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

    Karen DeMuth, M.D., M.P.H.1; Arlene Stecenko, M.D.1; Kevin Sullivan, Ph.D., M.P.H.2; Anne Fitzpatrick, Ph.D.1
    From the 1Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, and 2Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia
Address correspondence and reprint requests to Karen DeMuth, M.D., M.P.H., Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, 2015 Uppergate Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322 E-mail address: kdemuth@emory.edu
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%  versus 32% ) 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.
Keywords
  • Allergy, 
  • anaphylaxis, 
  • antacid medication, 
  • children, 
  • cross-sectional study design, 
  • food allergy, 
  • gastroesophageal reflux, 
  • GER disease, 
  • questionnaire

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