Evaluation of Emergency Medication in Children With Food Allergies: Comparing Antihistamines Alone Versus Antihistamines Plus Steroids During Oral Food Challenges

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating whether steroids are necessary in treating allergic reactions to foods in children with suspected or confirmed IgE-mediated food allergies. The study compares two groups during an oral food challenge: one receiving oral antihistamines plus systemic corticosteroids, and the other receiving only oral antihistamines. The study aims to understand if adding steroids improves recovery from allergic reactions in this controlled clinical setting. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either antihistamines with steroids or antihistamines alone if an allergic reaction occurs during the food challenge. Intramuscular adrenaline may be given as needed for severe reactions. The study is conducted during scheduled clinic visits for the oral food challenge, with no additional visits required. The medication is taken orally, and emergency treatments are provided according to clinical indications. During the study, doctors will closely monitor allergic symptoms from onset until full resolution, assessing up to 24 hours after the reaction. They will record the time to symptom resolution, medication doses used, reaction severity, hospital admission if any, and late-phase reactions. Participants will not need extra tests beyond the food challenge, and no long-term follow-up visits are required. The total observation period lasts up to 24 hours following the allergic reaction onset.

Steroid Use in Treatment of Allergic Reactions to Food