When it comes to managing a peanut allergy, new research indicates that children fare best when under the care of an allergist. The study, which was published in the journal Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, found that kids with peanut allergies who saw an allergist had lower overall healthcare costs when compared to those who did not.
Peanut allergies are one of the most common food allergies, and can often be managed through avoidance and careful management when needed. But there is no cure, and in severe cases, exposure to even a trace amount of peanut can lead to a life-threatening reaction.
The study looked at a group of 1,305 children with peanut allergies, all of whom were enrolled in a national healthcare system. Overall, the yearly healthcare costs for those who saw an allergist averaged $2,673, while those who did not saw their costs nearly double to $4,080.
There were several factors that contributed to the lower costs for those under allergist care. For one, the vast majority of children in the study (94%) who saw an allergist had an allergy action plan in place. This is a written document that outlines what to do in the event of an allergic reaction, and can be crucial in preventing a severe reaction.
In addition, those who saw an allergist were more likely to have a prescription for an epinephrine auto-injector (such as an EpiPen), and less likely to end up in the emergency room for their allergy.
The findings are important, as they highlight the importance of proper management of peanut allergies. With the help of an allergist, children with peanut allergies can avoid costly and potentially dangerous reactions.
According to a recent study, children who are cared for by an allergist for their peanut allergy have lower health care costs than those who do not. The study, which was conducted by the University of Michigan, looked at the medical records of more than 600 children with peanut allergies. They found that the total health care costs for those who saw an allergist was $4,151 per year, while the costs for those who did not see an allergist was $5,591 per year.
This difference in cost is likely due to the fact that allergists are able to better manage the care of their patients. They are able to prescribe the appropriate medications and provide guidance on how to avoid triggering an allergic reaction. For many parents, the peace of mind that comes with knowing their child is being cared for by a specialist is worth the additional cost.
If you have a child with a peanut allergy, talk to your doctor about whether seeing an allergist is right for them. It could save you money in the long run.
