Maintain pressure on reforms to protect NHSChild food allergy cases up 500%
The number of cases of children being admitted to hospital because they are allergic to something they ate has increased by 500% in 20 years, according to the NICE.
Of all children under the age of three in Europe and north America, between 6% and 8% of them have some kind of food allergy. Some reactions to food can be severe and are a major problem for the field of paediatrics.
The institute has decided, for the first time, to issue guidance about child food allergies for GPs to help them spot the signs and which tells them when to diagnose a food allergy and when to do more tests.
Judith Richardson, associate director of the institute’s Centre for Clinical Practice, said: “This will be the first evidence-based guideline on how health professionals and others who work with young children should diagnose and assess food allergies in children.”
The guidance also advises against using allergy tests offered by non-medical practitioners, some of which include hair analysis and kinesiology. These tests frequently misdiagnose conditions in children which can lead to unnecessarily restrictive diets which in turn can lead to malnutrition.
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Readers' comments (3)
Stephen Hauer | 11-Aug-2010 3:27 pm
Friendly Reminder: FOOD Allergy ala Eczema is the first disease manifestation of Allergy MARCH in Children.
Far to often, allergy Parents of Allergy Children are told that their Child's Eczema will be OutGrown..
When in fact, the progression of allergy disease has only reInvented itself to Ear > Rhinitis > On it's way to entrenchement of Allergic ASTHMA by Age 4-8.
While there is No Cure for ( Allergic ) Asthma > it can be prevented via early IgE Allergy Blood Testing > And Neutralization of offending Enviro allergens via Kid Friendly / Custom formulated / Drug FREE Immuno-Allergy DROPs > Which Neutralize the Source of Child allergy Disease Vs Med's which only Mask Symptoms > Leaving Progression intavt to Exacerbate unabated.
Let us work toward a Generation Free of Allergic ASTHMA.
Stephen M.S.M. M.B.A.
DropYourAllergies.com
PS As an added note, Children with Epi Food allergies AND Asthma should carry TWO Epi Pens.
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Anonymous | 12-Aug-2010 9:59 am
I agree with a lot of what you say above. I also see the new NICE guideline has finally come around to admitting that not all allergies to food are IgE mediated and making clear the connection between other apparent manifestations eg. eczema. How long has that taken???
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Janel Garth | 12-Aug-2010 8:01 pm
I agree that there should be guidelines for GP's related to food allergy. GP's are often the first line of defense and could benefit from an evidence-based guideline.
Our pharmacy customizes allergy drops for patients with food/inhalant allergies.
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