Trends in Pediatric Allergic Diseases in the Post–COVID-19 Era Diagnosis-Specific Patterns, Key Drivers, and Implications for Health Services: A Literature Review

Akmal Prayogo¹, Azwin Mengindra Putera^2*

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic acted as a natural experiment that reshaped children’s daily lives, allergen exposure, respiratory viral ecology, and access to health services. This narrative review summarises evidence (2016–2025) on post-pandemic trends in major pediatric allergic diseases and highlights diagnosis-specific patterns and plausible drivers. Across settings, pediatric asthma showed the most consistent signal: acute exacerbations and emergency visits decreased during strict non-pharmaceutical interventions, then rebounded or shifted seasonally after restrictions eased and schools reopened, tracking renewed viral transmission. Allergic rhinitis showed the most heterogeneous response, reflecting the balance between indoor-outdoor exposure (e.g., house dust mite vs pollen), masking behaviours, and normalisation of service utilisation. Atopic dermatitis generally showed stable or declining prevalence but potential increases in severity, flares, sleep disturbance, and quality-of-life burden related to stress and disrupted care. Food allergy trends were mixed, while anaphylaxis patterns depended strongly on data sources and care-seeking behaviour. Post-pandemic interpretation and planning should stratify by diagnosis, age, and care setting, and prioritise seasonal preparedness, exposure management, continuity of care, and hybrid service models.

Keywords

pediatric allergy; COVID-19; asthma exacerbations; allergic rhinitis; atopic dermatitis; food allergy; anaphylaxis; non-pharmaceutical interventions; health services utilization

Cite This Article

Prayogo, A., Putera, A. M. (2026). Trends in Pediatric Allergic Diseases in the Post–COVID-19 Era Diagnosis-Specific Patterns, Key Drivers, and Implications for Health Services: A Literature Review. International Journal of Scientific Advances (IJSCIA), Volume 7| Issue 1: Jan – Feb 2026, Pages 86-94 URL: https://www.ijscia.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Volume7-Issue1-Jan-Feb-No.1020-86-94.pdf

Volume 7 | Issue 1: Jan – Feb 2026