Perceived prevalence of peanut allergy in Great Britain and its association with other atopic conditions and with peanut allergy in other household members

Background: Despite increasing awareness of peanut allergy, little is known of its prevalence. We report on a two-stage interview survey conducted in Great Britain. Methods: A total of 16434 adults (aged 15+ years) reported their own allerg ies and atopies and named cohabitants with peanut allergy (stage 1). Follow -up interviews were conducted with identified sufferers from peanut allergy (stage 2). Results: At stage 1, peanut allergy was reported in 58 respondents and 205 other household members. When we accounted for cases where peanut allergy w as unconfirmed or newly reported at stage 2, the prevalence, based on 124 c onfirmed sufferers, was estimated as 0.48% (95% confidence interval 0.40%-0 .55%). The prevalence in children (0.61%, 0.41%-0.82%) was slightly higher than in adults; age-of-onset was strikingly earlier. Prevalence was strongl y associated with other atopies, particularly tree-nut allergy. Cases tende d significantly to cluster in households. Half of cases had never consulted a doctor. Exactly 7.4% reported being hospitalized after a reaction. Conclusions: Peanut allergy is reported by 1 in 200 of the population and i s commoner in those reporting other atopies. The fact of similar rates in c hildren and adults argues against a recent marked rise in prevalence. The f requency and potential lethality of this disorder emphasize the need for su fferers to demographic factors, other food allergies, atopic conditions, an d allergy in family/household members. Our study comprised a screening surv ey and detailed interviews with sufferers identified.