Föräldrars erfarenheter av att leva med barn med födoämnesallergi med särskilt fokus på anafylaxi/ Parents experiences of living with children who has food allergy with special focus on anaphylaxis

Abstract

Background: When a child is diagnosed with food allergy with risk of anaphylaxis, it affects the whole family. The child must learn to live with a chronicle disease and learn the importance of avoiding the specific allergens that may cause a life-threatening condition. The parents must adapt to a way of life with limitations in the everyday life as well as a constant concern for the child. They must learn to handle an auto-injector and to recognize symptoms of a coming anaphylaxis. Aim: The aim of this study was to describe parent’s experiences of living with children who has foodallergy with special focus on anaphylaxis. Method: This was a literature review, based on twelve scientific articles, both qualitative and quantitative. The results from the articles were analysed with content analysis. Results: The analysis resulted in four central categories: experience of information and knowledge, consequences of inadequate information, experience of limitations and anxiety in the family’s daily life and strategies for handling of anxiety in the daily life. Conclusion: Parents to children with allergy with risk of anaphylaxis need information, knowledge and support about the child’s care in order to handle restrictions and anxiety in the daily life.