Food Allergies Are Associated With a Substantially Higher Burden of Atopic Comorbidities and Increased Healthcare Use.

AIM: We assessed the prevalence of atopic comorbidities and healthcare service use among children with food allergies. METHODS: This retrospective matched cohort study used data from a large health maintenance organisation, which insures and provides universal healthcare services. Children aged 0-18 years who were diagnosed with food allergies from 2001 to 2019 were matched 1:1 with non-allergic controls. Data on demographics, rate of comorbidities, and healthcare use were compared. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. RESULTS: We identified 20 418 children with food allergies and matched them to 20 418 controls. Cases had significantly higher rates of allergic comorbidities, including allergic rhinitis (aOR 2.09, 95% CI 1.95-2.25), atopic dermatitis (aOR 2.04, 95% CI 1.94-2.14), and eosinophilic esophagitis (aOR 15.4, 95% CI 6.04-39.55; 104 vs. 5 events). Most prescription rates were markedly elevated, particularly for hydrolysed formulas (aOR 12.32, 95% CI 10.83-14.0). Specialist consultations were more frequent, with the greatest increases in gastroenterology (aOR 2.23, 95% CI 2.09-2.37) and pulmonology (aOR 2.03, 95% CI 1.90-2.17). General healthcare use was higher, including emergency department visits and hospitalisations. CONCLUSION: Paediatric food allergies were associated with a substantially higher burden of atopic comorbidities and increased healthcare use in this large national cohort.