[NVIC] Killer Allergy Rise In Kids

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" Some experts think it has a lot to do with the Western lifestyle, which is

probably far too clean, " he said. " The part of our immune system that would

have once been challenged is no longer being challenged. " Other possible

causes could include pollution or vaccines, but experts stressed more

research needed to be done....Of particular concern is the sharp rise in the

number of young children who are suffering. Last year 46,953 injectors were

issued to children under the age of seven, compared with just 7,590 10 years

ago.

http://observer.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,,1754840,00.html

The Observer

Big rise in patients with deadly allergies

Children are worst hit by rise in killer reactions

Doward, home affairs editor

Sunday April 16, 2006

The number of people prone to severe, sometimes fatal, allergic reactions

has accelerated dramatically over the last two years, according to the

latest official figures, which show there has been an unprecedented increase

in prescriptions issued to combat the condition.

An analysis of the Department of Health's prescription tables, published

last week, reveals the number of emergency adrenaline injectors issued by

doctors to combat severe allergy rose by 54 per cent between 2003 and 2005.

The tables show that last year a record 153,820 injectors were issued,

compared with 99,325 in 2003 and just 25,200 in 1995 - a rise of 610 per

cent over the decade. The most common triggers for a severe reaction - known

in the medical world as anaphylaxis - are allergies to nuts, especially

peanuts, fish, dairy products, latex, insect stings and, more recently, kiwi

fruit. Around 20 children die each year from the condition. Studies suggest

that there has been a sevenfold increase in hospital admissions over the

last decade.

'These figures show there has been a significant increase in severe allergic

conditions,' said Reading, director of The Anaphylaxis Campaign. 'But

even though there is more awareness of the problem in GPs' surgeries, there

is no consistency. Some people get adrenaline, some people don't.

'No one knows for sure what is causing it. Parents with children who suffer

from the problem feel they have a sword of Damocles hanging over them. All

you can do at the moment is treat the symptoms with adrenaline or avoid the

triggers. It is vital we have better labelling of food in shops and

restaurants.'

The injectors are given to patients only if doctors believe they are

absolutely necessary. It is unlikely they are being issued because diagnosis

is improving, or because doctors are more eager to supply them, suggesting

the rise of anaphylaxis is a credible and disturbing problem.

Anaphylactic shock occurs when the body's immune system reacts to the

presence of a substance it wrongly perceives as a threat. The reaction

triggers the sudden release of chemical substances from cells in the blood

and tissues where they are stored. During anaphylaxis, blood vessels leak,

bronchial tissues swell and blood pressure drops, causing choking and

collapse. Adrenaline injections constrict blood vessels and smooth muscles

in the lungs to improve breathing, stimulate the heartbeat and stop swelling

around the face and lips.

Rob Travers, product manager with the pharmaceutical company ALK-Abelló,

which manufactures most of the adrenaline injectors sold in the UK, said

there were several theories for what lay behind the increase in anaphylaxis.

'Some experts think it has a lot to do with the Western lifestyle, which is

probably far too clean,' he said. 'The part of our immune system that would

have once been challenged is no longer being challenged.' Other possible

causes could include pollution or vaccines, but experts stressed more

research needed to be done.

Of particular concern is the sharp rise in the number of young children who

are suffering. Last year 46,953 injectors were issued to children under the

age of seven, compared with just 7,590 10 years ago.

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