An integrative medicine review of primary prevention of allergy in pediatrics

The prevalence of allergic disease has been rapidly increasing in the developed world for over fifty years. The prevention of allergic disease remains one of the most elusive topics in medicine. Integrative medicine emphasizes prevention of disease and utilizes many interventions to help modify long-term outcomes of health. Primary prevention refers to the arrest of manifestations of a disease before they present clinically. Preventing allergy is not simply about preventing sensitization, but also about developing tolerance. This narrative review article will discuss integrative medicine approaches that may help to prevent atopic disease in the pediatric population. It is organized chronologically to aid in counseling patients: 1) prevention during pregnancy and 2) prevention after birth. While research into allergy prevention is in its infancy, Integrative Medicine is well-suited to provide many insights into the prevention and mitigation of atopic disease.

Automated summary

Allergic disease prevalence has been increasing rapidly in developed countries for over fifty years, with prevention remaining a challenging topic in medicine. Integrative medicine focuses on disease prevention and utilizes various interventions to modify long-term health outcomes, especially in the prevention of atopic disease in children. With research in allergy prevention still in early stages, Integrative Medicine is poised to offer valuable insights into preventing and mitigating atopic diseases.