Food allergies rate higher in young children

Severe reactions to food more common than thought in young children — Study identifies causes for high rates of allergic reactions in children with food allergies – Young children with allergies to milk and egg experience reactions to these and other foods more often than researchers had expected. A new study found that severe and potentially life-threatening reactions in a significant number of these children occur and that some caregivers are hesitant to give such children epinephrine, a medication that reverses the symptoms of such reactions and can save lives.

Food allergy cases increased by 18% in last 10 years

Allergic reactions to food can range from mild, itchy hives to anaphylaxis, the most severe reaction. Standardized clinical guidelines will help healthcare providers better diagnose food allergy, manage ongoing food allergy and treat acute food allergy reactions. – This week, May 10-16, marks Food Allergy Awareness Week, a time to focus public awareness on this growing health problem. Together with the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN), a patient and family advocacy group at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) encourage all Americans to help those affected by this life-limiting disease.

Westco products linked to recalled peanuts, US

FDA Warns Against Consuming Peanuts and Peanut Products Sold by Westco Fruit and Nuts Inc.; Westco/Westcott Products Linked to Recalled Peanuts from the Peanut Corporation of America. – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers not to consume any peanuts or peanut-derived products sold by Irvington, New Jersey-based Westco Fruit and Nuts Inc. (Westco/Westcott) due to possible Salmonella contamination.

Desensitisation therapy may cure peanut allergy

World-first desensitisation therapy is ?cure? for severe peanut allergy – A group of children with peanut allergy no longer have to worry about severe immune reactions after taking part in the world’s first successful peanut desensitisation programme.

New treatment may cure food allergies

Scientists developing food allergy treatment, hoping for a cure that will allow people to eat fish or fruit again. – A team of scientists from across Europe are embarking on new research to develop a treatment for food allergy.

Nut products during pregnancy increases asthma risk in children

This study provides evidence on the relationship between maternal diet during pregnancy and longitudinal development of childhood asthma. Daily consumption of nut products increased the risk of asthma outcomes during the first 8 years of life. – Expectant mothers who eat nuts or nut products like peanut butter daily during pregnancy increase their children’s risk of developing asthma by more than 50 percent over women who rarely or never consume nut products during pregnancy, according to new research from the Netherlands.

Health Newstrack