Allergy news

This year, World Allergy Week focused on urticaria, allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and the effects of pollution that acts as a direct irritant to the respiratory system. This awareness campaign continues today at European level as the prevalence of allergic diseases continues to increase. It is estimated that by 2025, half of the total European population will be affected.

We discuss with Dr Flammarion, specialist in paediatric allergies, the latest medical advances in controlling this sometimes disabilitating common pathology.

Dr Flammarion: Indeed, the allergic disease is frequent throughout the world. In the United Kingdom 5 to 7% of children have a food allergy, 1 in 6 with eczema, 1 in 4 with asthma, and 1 in 5 with allergic rhinitis. Effective treatments to control the symptoms of allergy have long been available with the more recent development of child-friendly and well-tolerated forms. Recent advances in immunotherapy now make it possible to cure certain allergies. This is a desensitization of the patient who gradually receives small, increasing amounts of the allergen involved to alter its immune response and increase its tolerance.

Is the procedure the same for all allergies?

Dr Flammarion: For food allergies, procedures are still under study, by oral or even skin patches! By giving daily doses of the food, little by little the patient manages to tolerate increasing doses of the allergen. The results are promising especially for the peanut and give hope to the families.

How is this gradual reintroduction of the allergen?

Dr Flammarion: In order to avoid allergic reactions, it is recommended to give the first dose of peanut in a specialized centre and then to return every 15 days for several months to increase the doses. This may seem long, but these protocols offer real hope and reduce the fear of a serious allergic reaction, such as anaphylactic shock. The success rate can exceed 80%! It is essential to continue to expose children regularly to the allergen for which they have been treated to avoid relapse.

What about other foods?

Studies are also underway for the other most common allergies such as eggs and milk. But unlike peanuts, children usually cure these food allergies before adulthood and they can usually be tolerated if they are cooked thoroughly, like in a cake.

What about air allergens, pollens, dust mites?

Dr Flammarion: Injectable desensitization has been available for pollen for more than 100 years! But there are currently more child-friendly and less restrictive solutions, in the form of drops or tablets. Patients can expect a progressive cure of allergy after about 3 years of treatment. Desensitization also helps prevent the development of new allergies and asthma.