Food allergies among children as a social and medical problem

Abstract

Background: In recent years, food allergy has been diagnosed more frequently in children and adolescents. The environment is more toxic and chemical substances that are additives to food dominate the diet. Also, a changing lifestyle, exposure to stress, and a poorly balanced diet may have an impact on the occurrence of allergies. In society, more children suffer from food allergies than adults, and food allergies are becoming an increasingly serious social and medical problem. Aim of the study: The aim of this study is to review the subject of food allergies in children, with a focus on the social and medical problems associated with this condition. Material and methods: 31 studies, published in the last 10 years, were found in databases such as the Polish Medical Bibliography, PubMed Medline, and Google Scholar, using the following keywords: “food allergy”, “risk factors”, “diet”, “psychology”, “social aspects”. Conclusions: Given the potentially serious medical and social consequences resulting from allergic diseases, the increasing incidence of allergies among children and young people should motivate medical personnel and educators to receive additional training and to conduct further research in this area.