Parent-Reported Suspected Food-Related Reactions and Feeding Practices in Children: A Cross-Sectional Survey from a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Food allergies are a global pediatric health concern; however, epidemiological insights from Pakistan remain limited. This survey assessed frequency, triggers, and management practices of suspected food allergies among children attending a local hospital. This hospital-based cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Department of Pediatrics, of a tertiary care hospital in Lahore, Pakistan. A total of 200 children aged ≤7 years with parent-reported, suspected food-related reactions were enrolled through convenience sampling after obtaining informed verbal consent from their parents or caregivers. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, based on previously reported approaches. Parent-reported information regarding demographic characteristics, infant feeding practices, suspected food triggers, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and management practices was recorded and analysed descriptively. Parental history of allergy was reported for 1.5% of mothers and 4% of fathers. The most frequently reported suspected triggers were dairy (47%) and gluten-containing foods (42%). Reported suspected symptoms following suspected food intake were predominantly gastrointestinal along with behavioral disturbances. Allergen elimination was the primary management strategy reported by most parents. Animal-derived milk was consumed by 60.5% of children and many ingested ≥25 ounces daily.  Early introduction of non-breast milk sources was commonly reported among suspected patients. A low frequency of parental allergic history was reported among studied cases. Public health initiatives focusing on parental awareness and standardized diagnostic or management strategies are warranted for suspected childhood food-allergy care. Importantly, owing to study design, all findings are descriptive and refer to parent-reported rather than clinically confirmed food allergies.