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Reintroduction failure is common among adolescents after double‐blind placebo‐controlled food challenges
Author(s) -
Strinnholm Å,
Winberg A,
Hedman L,
Rönmark E,
Lindh V
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
acta paediatrica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1651-2227
pISSN - 0803-5253
DOI - 10.1111/apa.13673
Subject(s) - medicine , placebo , double blind , medline , intensive care medicine , alternative medicine , pathology , political science , law
Aim There has been a lack of research on adolescents who undergo double‐blind placebo‐controlled food challenges. The aim of this study was to investigate food allergic adolescents' experiences and consequences of double‐blind placebo‐controlled food challenges. Methods This qualitative, descriptive interview study included 17 adolescents aged 14–15 years with total elimination of cows' milk, hens' eggs or cod due to food allergies. The participants, who were initially identified from a large population‐based cohort study, were interviewed 18 months after completing their challenges. Results The double‐blind placebo‐controlled food challenge proved to be a complex experience for the adolescents, involving fear of potential reactions and the hope that the food could be reintroduced. Experiences during the challenge were described in three themes: facing fears in a secure environment, being hesitant but curious about unknown tastes and waiting for unknown food reactions. Experiences after the challenge were described in two themes: gaining control and freedom and continuing old habits. A negative challenge was not consistently associated with the reintroduction of the challenged food. Conclusion This study highlighted the importance of considering the adolescents' expectations and experiences of the challenge and the reintroduction process to ensure desirable changes in their dietary habits. Follow‐ups should be performed regardless of the outcome of challenges.