Prevalence and Severity of Sesame Allergy in the United States

Abstract

Key Points Question What is the current population-level burden of sesame allergy in the United States? Findings Using a cross-sectional population-based survey, an estimated 0.49% of the US population reported a current sesame allergy, whereas 0.23% of the population had a convincing sesame allergy using confirmatory symptom report criteria. Meaning The findings suggest that sesame allergy is a relatively common, frequently comorbid food allergy that affects patients of all ages, resulting in severe reactions and health care utilization.

Sesame: The New Priority Allergen?

“…Among individuals with convincing sesame allergy, 62.2% reported a current epinephrine prescription. 5 This rate is comparable to reports of children 1 and adults 6 with peanut allergy. Among those with epinephrine, approximately 33.7% with sesame allergy had used the device at least once in their lifetime.…”

“…Concerningly, one-half of children and one-third of adults with sesame allergy reported that they did not have a physician diagnosis of their allergy. 5 However, severe reactions involving multiple systems were reported by one-third of the population with convincing sesame allergy. Esophageal eosinophilia and food protein-induced enterocolitis were more common in individuals with sesame allergy, compared with individuals with other food allergies.…”

“…Esophageal eosinophilia and food protein-induced enterocolitis were more common in individuals with sesame allergy, compared with individuals with other food allergies. 5 This raises concerns that patients with sesame allergy may not be identified by traditional screening questions or have limited access to health care professionals.…”

The Global Rise and the Complexity of Sesame Allergy: Prime Time to Regulate Sesame in the United States of America?

“…A second study shows prevalence of sesame allergy in the USA at 0.23-0.49% [2]. 8 April, FASTER Act introduced in USA; it proposes to regulate sesame as an allergen [44].…”

“…There is sound evidence that the Western world is in the midst of an ongoing widespread food allergy, and that some of the Eastern world is noticing its rise as well [1][2][3][4]. For example, recent reports show that the prevalence of food allergies in the United States of America (USA) have increased to 8% in children and 10.8% among adults from their respective prevalence rates of 6% and 3.7% just 15 years ago [5,6].…”