Asian American children more likely to develop allergies, study finds
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A new Stanford University study has revealed that Asian American children, particularly those of Vietnamese and Filipino descent, are at a significantly higher risk of developing allergies compared to their white counterparts.
About the study: The study, published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, delved deeper into the specific vulnerabilities of different ethnicities by analyzing health records of nearly half a million children in Northern California.
About the findings: Filipino and Vietnamese children had the highest rates of food allergies, with prevalence rates exceeding 10% in some cases. Eczema was most common among Vietnamese (15.1%) and Chinese (12.6%) children, while asthma and allergic rhinitis affected Filipino children at disproportionately high rates. Multi-ethnic Asian children — those with one Asian and one non-Asian parent — also exhibited an elevated risk across all allergic conditions, suggesting a potential interplay between genetic and environmental factors.
The reasons behind these disparities remain unclear, but researchers speculate that factors such as immigration patterns, diet and acculturation may play a role. Additionally, genetic factors may contribute to the increased susceptibility to allergies among certain Asian American subgroups.
Trending on NextShark: Asian American children more likely to develop allergies, study finds
Why this matters: The researchers posit that by recognizing the unique allergy profiles of different Asian American groups, healthcare professionals can better diagnose, treat and prevent allergic diseases. Additionally, policymakers can allocate resources to address the specific needs of these communities.
For Asian American families, understanding and managing food allergies can be particularly challenging due to cultural factors and dietary preferences. Many Asian cuisines rely on ingredients that are common allergens, such as peanuts, sesame seeds and shellfish. This can make it difficult to navigate social events and family gatherings, as well as everyday meal planning.
This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter — a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices.
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