Food Allergies: Impact on Life

Food allergy is an immunologically mediated adverse reaction to a food protein that affects approximately 2% to 3% of adults and 5% to 10% of children worldwide (including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the Mediterranean, Japan, and China, among others). It is a unique chronic condition as those with food allergies are generally well most of the time, unless they accidentally ingest an allergen, whereupon symptoms can be life threatening. They, therefore, have to maintain strict vigilance to assess the safety of foods before they eat, which can have a negative impact on their quality of life and can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and worry. This entry reviews the current knowledge of the psychological impact food allergy can have ...