Invisible barriers - Food allergies in children in family context

Abstract

Childhood food allergy is a chronic immunological condition that affects approximately 6-8% of children. Food protein-induced immune reactions can vary in intensity from mild to fatal. There is a risk of anaphylactic shock in the case of severe food allergies, which requires immediate emergency intervention. In the lack of symptoms, food allergy is invisible to outsiders, which could often cause difficulties in communication and avoidance behavior in involved families. Parents are responsible for representing their child's condition in everyday life. The current study focuses on the caregiver's perspective and draws attention to the challenges of severe childhood food allergies and the complexity of adaptive disease management. The study aims to provide insight into what difficulties the affected parents face, what characteristics they show, and what psychological methods and techniques can help them adapt and cope better, according to the existing recommendations and intervention studies. In this way, adequate adherence to medical treatments is also ensured, contributing to the healthier personality development of children.