Caregiver-Reported Presentation of Severe Food-Induced Allergic Reactions in Infants and Toddlers

Background: Recognizing anaphylaxis in infants and toddlers can be challenging for health care providers and caregivers, and current diagnostic criteria and anaphylaxis action plans do not specifically address this younger population. Objective: To describe symptoms and signs observed by primary caregivers of infants and toddlers during severe food-induced allergic reactions. Methods: We conducted a national online survey among primary caregivers of children who experienced a severe food-induced allergic reaction when less than 36 months of age. Respondents who were present during the child's most severe reaction were asked to report symptoms and signs observed. The survey asked about infant- and toddler-specific symptoms and signs in lay language for caregivers. Data were compared with patient-reported data from past studies to identify distinct patterns among the younger population. Results: The survey was completed for 374 children (193 infants, 181 toddlers). The most common symptoms and signs reported were skin reactions (90%), facial and extremity swelling (59%), gastrointestinal issues (51%), and coughing/wheezing (45%). Infants (aged <12 months) more frequently experienced skin reactions, skin mottling, and ear pulling/scratching or putting fingers in ears, as compared with toddlers (aged 12-35 months). Toddlers experienced throat itching and coughing/wheezing more frequently than infants. Conclusions: Anaphylaxis presentation demonstrates similarities and differences in infants and toddlers. Modifying the terminology used in the current criteria allowed for reporting of symptoms and signs of anaphylaxis that are more common in infants and toddlers. Diagnostic criteria, clinical guidelines, and anaphylaxis action plans may be enhanced to address this young, often nonverbal, population.