Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on food allergies

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic affected various aspects of food allergy. Mainly during the first state of emergency in Japan, the number of oral food challenges was limited temporally in many facilities; however, they have reported to be recovered soon. Safety protocols of oral immunotherapy were preferred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, some patients could be affected by such restrictions. Diagnosis and treatment for children with allergies have positive impact on the revenue of pediatric department as childhood patients with infectious diseases declined. Parental treatment and judgement for immediate allergic reaction, including emergency department visit, were believed to be appropriate; however, some cases with anaphylaxis were difficult to transport to an emergency medical center due to COVID-19. Development of food allergies was not affected significantly based on publicly available official data.