Understanding food allergy genetics and natural history

This is a research study designed to understand why some people develop food allergies and what factors influence how severe their allergies become. Researchers will collect blood samples, saliva, and other biological samples from people with food allergies, people with related conditions like eczema or eosinophilic esophagitis, and healthy people without allergies. By comparing these samples, scientists hope to discover the genetic and immune system differences that contribute to food allergies.

Food allergies affect millions of Americans and have become more common in recent decades, but doctors still don't have effective treatments or ways to prevent them. This study exists to uncover the genetic and biological reasons why food allergies develop, which could eventually lead to better treatments and prevention strategies.