Peanut allergy in relation to heredity, maternal diet, and other atopic diseases: results of a questionnaire survey, skin prick testing, and food challenges

Abstract

Objectives: To determine rates of other atopic manifestations in people with peanut allergy and the prevalence of such allergy in their families. Design: A survey of people with self reported peanut allergy and people referred by their general practitioner for suspected peanut allergy; survey and skin testing of 50 children with reported peanut allergy and their available first degree relatives. Subjects: 622 adults and children with reported, suspected, or known peanut allergy. Main outcome measures: Prevalence of peanut allergy and other allergies in the families of people with peanut allergy. Results: 622 valid completed questionnaires were returned out of the 833 questionnaires dispatched (74.7%). All forms of atopy were both more common in successive generations (PConclusions: Peanut allergy is more common in siblings of people with peanut allergy than in the parents or the general population. Its apparently increasing prevalence may reflect a general increase of atopy, which is inherited more commonly from the mother. Peanut allergy is presenting earlier in life, possibly reflecting increased consumption of peanut by pregnant and nursing mothers. The apparent epidemic of peanut allergy is a reflection of the general increase in atopic diseases and increased case identification The age of onset of peanut allergy is decreasing, possibly secondary to increased consumption by mothers and by infants early in life Peanut allergy affects 7% of siblings of people with peanut allergy but only 1.3% of the general population