Study explores experiences of adolescents’ transition from parental management to self-management of food allergies

A recent article published in Paediatric Allergy and Immunology explores how adolescents experience and manage food allergies, particularly during the transition from being supported by parents to managing their allergies independently.

Although the risk of fatalities from food allergy-related anaphylaxis is low, adolescence is considered the most dangerous life stage.¹ This increased risk is thought to stem from factors such as reduced parental supervision as young people spend more time with peers, a lower perception of risk, and not consistently following recommended allergen management strategies. These challenges highlight the critical need for effective support during this transitional period.

The study involved interviews with ten adolescents aged 12–16, all diagnosed with at least one food allergy and prescribed adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs). Most participants chose to be interviewed online, with only two interviews conducted face-to-face. To help the participants feel comfortable sharing openly, all interviews were carried out without parent’s present-though the option to include them was offered.  

Key findings 

• The need for belonging: Adolescents expressed a strong desire for social acceptance. They wanted others to acknowledge their allergies and support their safety practices without making them feel like an inconvenience. 

• Knowledge gaps: Despite the need for a high level of understanding to manage food allergies safely, many adolescents lacked essential knowledge about their condition—sometimes without realising it. This included limited understanding of common triggers, recognising symptoms of anaphylaxis, and knowing when and how to use their AAIs.  

• Responsibility shift: Adolescents were aware of the need to gradually take over allergy management from their parents. However, they found some aspects of this transition more challenging than others–particularly tasks like speaking to restaurant staff about their allergies.

 Why this matters 

Adolescents spend much of their time in school or with peers, making awareness of food allergies in these environments crucial. However, participants reported low confidence in their safety in these settings and in how their allergies would be managed by others. This concern reflects findings from a survey of 200 adolescents and young adults with food allergies, revealing that only 11% believed their classmates would know what to do in an emergency.² 

This aligns with the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) transition guidelines, which recommend healthcare providers encourage adolescents to educate their peers about their allergies and how to help in emergency situations.  

What does this mean 

Managing a food allergy isn’t just about having the right information—it also takes confidence, strong communication skills, and a good support system. When young people lack this, it can lead to delays in emergency treatment, which is a serious barrier to managing their allergy effectively. The study highlights the importance of supporting adolescents to build both awareness and confidence, moving from ‘not knowing’ to ‘knowing’ and ultimately making allergy management second nature.  

It also highlights the importance of education involving allergen management, that covers both practical management and the emotional and social challenges involved.  

Future research should continue to centre adolescents’ lived experiences to inform the development of effective support tools and interventions during the transition period. 

To read the full study visit: Experiences of adolescents with food allergies: A qualitative study 

References 

1. Comberiati P, Spahn J, Peroni DG. (2019) Anaphylaxis in adolescents: Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology. doi:10.1097/ACI.0000000000000572

2. Warren CM, Dyer AA, Otto AK, Smith BM, Kauke K, Dinaker C, Gupta RS. (2017) Food allergy–related risk-taking and management behaviors among adolescents and young adults. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2016.12.012