How boiled peanuts could be the answer to peanut allergies according to this study

8th March 2023

How boiled peanuts could be the answer to peanut allergies according to this study

Amongst all the food allergies that exist, the peanut allergy might be the one that comes to mind first. It’s become practically synonymous with child allergies, and not without reason. They affect around 2% of children in the UK, with it seemingly increasing over the past few decades.

So it’s no surprise when new research into the topic comes out. We’ve even covered it ourselves in the past. But there’s a new study that’s taking its own approach – with interesting results. Let’s look at what they did and what they discovered in the process.

The study

Researchers at Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia looked into the effectiveness of boiling peanuts as a way of treating a peanut allergy. They conducted what is called ‘oral immunotherapy’ – treating something through ingesting via the mouth. After eliminating any potential participants who had a history of severe reactions, they had 70 children aged 6-18 years old who underwent an almost year-long study.

It was carried out in phases, with the first involving feeding the children peanuts that had been boiled for 12 hours and crushed into a powder. This is part of the oral immunotherapy method – you start with small amounts and increase over time as tolerance builds up. And it was no different in this study.

As they moved through the phases, they went from 12-hour boiled peanuts to 2-hour boiled peanuts to roasted peanuts, all over the course of around 50 weeks. It ended with an oral food challenge, which involved eating 12 roasted peanuts under strict monitoring to see if there was any reaction.

What did they find?

Of the 70 children taking part, 56 (80%) were successfully desensitised to the 12 peanuts. Does that mean they were cured? No – they still had their peanut allergy. But how much they reacted was significantly lower. This could have interesting implications for how we treat peanut allergies and how we keep children safe.

It could be a way to eventually remove the risk of even the most severe reactions. Though note we said eventually. This is the start of something promising but it needs further research. And oral immunotherapy doesn’t work for everyone. These are things to consider before getting too excited.

Also note that this is something you should NOT try on your own. Remember that this study was carried out under strict scientific supervision with an allergy professional in the room should the worst happen. But stay optimistic! This is a good reason to celebrate and we can’t wait to see where the research goes next.

While there is no cure for peanut allergies, there is plenty of support. If you or your child needs advice on how to cope with your allergic conditions, get in touch with our friendly and professional team today. You can call us on 02031 433 449 or register as a new patient with us.

Three tips for flying with an allergy

31st August 2022

Three tips for flying with an allergy

We’re now in the peak of holiday season. Many people are jetting off to faraway destinations to get some summer sun, sea, and relaxation. But travelling can be a stressful time. Navigating a busy airport, trying to stay under the luggage limit, not losing your passport. There’s a lot to worry about. And this stress and worry is only magnified if you struggle with an allergy.

For allergy sufferers, flights can bring a lot of anxiety. You’re confined for hours in a small space with little to no control over what food or environmental allergens you might be exposed to. And you just need to look at the stats. 9% of peanut allergy sufferers report experiencing a reaction on a flight.

But the last thing you want is for your allergies to prevent you from seeing the world. So whether you’ve got a holiday coming up soon, or want some reassurance before booking your next getaway, here’s our advice for flying with an allergy.

Do your research

A lot of the work to allergy-proof your trip should be done before you even step foot on the plane. Or even in the airport! Every airline will have their own policy on food allergies. So if you’re a sufferer, you’re going to want to do your research ahead of time.

Have a read of your chosen airline’s policies and make sure you feel comfortable with the protections they have in place. If you have any questions or want clarification, get in touch with them well in advance, preferably before confirming your booking. 

And if you’re not comfortable with what you read, explore other providers and airlines until you find one that meets your needs and expectations. It’s always better to spend a little extra time planning your trip than an eight-hour flight spent in panic mode. Also worth noting is that the airline you book through might not always be the one providing or managing the plane. So a few extra calls might be needed to confirm you’ll be good to go. 

Communicate, communicate, communicate

To make your journey as smooth as possible, you’re going to have to communicate with airport and airline staff. A lot. Perhaps you’ve requested to sit in a particular part of the plane or to board early. Even if you’ve arranged this ahead of time, you might want to get to the airport in good time just to confirm that the airline is aware of and ready to accommodate your requests.

You also can’t be too careful. So communicate with staff about your allergy at every stage of your journey. Before and during boarding, while ordering any food, before eating it, or if you start to feel any tingles or sniffles coming on. This way, you can reduce your risk of experiencing a reaction mid-flight. 

Try not to worry about repeating yourself or being demanding of staff. The priority is making you as comfortable and safe as possible for the duration of your flight. 

Keep your allergy emergency kit close 

We broke down what to include in your allergy emergency kit here. But when it comes to flying specifically, you’re going to want to keep it as close as possible. Your medications are no use to you from the luggage hold, so everything you need should stay in your hand luggage. 

Always bring more than you think you’ll need. You never know when you’ll be hit with a delay or lost luggage. And let anyone you’re travelling with – or cabin crew if you’re alone – know where your medications are and what you might need, just in case you experience a severe reaction. Also, keep medications in their original packaging where possible. This could help to reduce any dramas during airport security or bag checks.

Flying can be an exciting time. You’ve been looking forward to your holiday for months and the time has finally come. But as an allergy sufferer, you have a few extra things to think about in the lead-up. Follow these tips and you’ll be able to ensure a safe, smooth, and enjoyable flight every time.

If you have any questions about your allergies or intolerances, or what they mean for travelling, feel free to talk to one of our allergists today. Just call us on 02031 433 449, or register as a new patient.

How to spot food allergies as an adult

19th January 2022

How to spot food allergies as an adult

Imagine you’re out for a meal with your family or friends. It’s a restaurant you’ve been to countless times before. You order your favourite meal that you always have. It arrives, it looks as tasty as ever, and you dig in. Then something strange happens.

You’ve never experienced this before, but all of a sudden, you feel your throat start to close. You struggle to breathe and then you realise. You’re having an allergic reaction.

It sounds unbelievable, but this can happen to anyone. One day, out of the blue, you can develop a food allergy as an adult. It’s happened to many people and is more common than you think. But why does it happen? And how can you spot it?

Developing an adult food allergy

Why do people suddenly develop a deadly food allergy as adults? Unfortunately, no one’s really sure. It’s something our bodies do and there’s seemingly no rhyme or reason (that we know of). But it’s the reality for a lot of people.

More than 48% of people with a food allergy developed it as an adult. And 51% of those adults with allergies will experience a serious reaction at some point. But, at the same time, while 20% of adults self-diagnose a food allergy, only 10% really have one. Usually because they’ve mixed it up with an intolerance.

It makes figuring out you have a new allergy a bit tricky. But here are some warning signs you can look out for.

Spotting a food allergy

Allergic reactions to food often have one or more of these symptoms:

• Tingling sensation in the mouth
• Itchy rashes
• Sneezing
• Swelling around the face and mouth
• Difficulty swallowing
• Trouble breathing

That’s our body reacting to the substance it (all of a sudden) doesn’t agree with. The worst symptom is anaphylactic shock. This is extremely worrying and can be life-threatening. It usually includes difficulty breathing, a drop in blood pressure, and even a loss of consciousness.

Keep your eye out for any of these symptoms if you’re feeling something out of the ordinary. The most common culprits will be peanuts, fish, shellfish, and tree nuts. Though this isn’t an exhaustive list.

The most important point? If you ever suspect you have a new allergy as an adult, consult a doctor. If you can, make it an allergy specialist. They will be able to accurately diagnose whether you do have an allergy. Then they can give you the advice you need to adjust and live a comfortable life.

Don’t ignore the warning signs and don’t take your medical care into your own hands. Always take allergies seriously.

We’re here for you if you ever suddenly develop an allergy. You can book in for a consultation here or call us on 02031 433 449.

The new treatment that could change the lives of children with peanut allergies

5th January 2022

The new treatment that could change the lives of children with peanut allergies

Ask any parent what they want for their child, and they’ll likely tell you the exact same thing. All they want is for their child to be safe. But when that young person has a food allergy, keeping them safe becomes an even greater challenge.

It’s estimated that around 1 in 50 children have a peanut allergy, and it’s one of the most common food allergies. In fact, one study even found that almost 25% of kids could have the affliction. Going to any unfamiliar place can be a huge hurdle for people with peanut allergies. Every trip to a restaurant is fraught with danger. But a recent development could make living with this particular food allergy much simpler.

New treatment

Now, in the UK, a new oral treatment could reduce the severity of symptoms – including anaphylaxis. After an extensive two-year study, researchers found that Palforzia – the new treatment – could increase tolerance to food with peanuts in it.

The idea is to gradually decrease the sensitivity to peanuts over time. In one trial of the study, 67% of participants were able to ingest up to 600mg without any major problems. While it won’t eradicate the allergy, it means families could potentially eat out without fear of an anaphylactic shock or other life-threatening reactions.

Saving lives

Children in the UK will be some of the first in Europe to benefit from the new treatment after the NHS secured a deal for it. Up to 600 children aged 4 to 17 are expected to receive the treatment this year. Then there’ll be a further 2,000 every year after that. They’ll receive a monthly dose, building up tolerance slowly.

Professor Stephen Powis, NHS medical director, said: “It will reduce the fear and anxiety for patients and their families who may have been living with this allergy for years, and carrying around emergency medication just in case. They should be able to enjoy meals out or holidays abroad together without worrying about an allergic reaction that could land them in hospital or worse.”

“This first in Europe patient access deal is just one of a series of commercial agreements the NHS has secured for innovative treatments for patients over the past 18 months, while also treating thousands of people with COVID-19 as well as delivering the biggest and most successful vaccination programme in health history.”

It could be a huge turning point for the condition which causes huge worries in parents around the world. If you’re ever concerned about a potential peanut allergy, you can always talk to an allergy specialist. They will be able to find the right course of action for you.

To talk to one of our allergy experts, get in touch with us on 02031 433 449. You can also register as a new patient by following this link.

Can you prevent allergies in your newborn baby?

22nd July 2020

Can you prevent allergies in your newborn baby?

Being the parent of a newborn baby can be a stressful time. Wrapped up in that bundle of joy is the worry about their health. One thing in particular that has gripped parents is the fear of a deadly food allergy or anything else they might be allergic to.

And it’s no surprise; it’s believed that 1 in 4 people in the UK have an allergy at some point in their lives. This is part of a wider trend of more and more people being diagnosed with allergies. It’s estimated that food allergy cases have risen by 50% in the past decade. But is there any way to prevent allergies in your newborn baby?

The mother’s diet

Some advice that you might see thrown about is to restrict what you eat while you’re pregnant. You would stop eating food that your child could be allergic to, such as peanuts, eggs, or dairy. This advice is false. There is no strong evidence that restricting what you eat will help your baby avoid allergies. This goes for after the birth when you’re breastfeeding – eat away!

Breastfeeding

Speaking of which, you should breastfeed your baby if you can, for at least the first six or so months, if not well beyond that. It isn’t likely to cause an allergic reaction in your infant and has great benefits to their immune system. It also has benefits for the mother and is a great way to build a strong bond with your new child. As for how it affects allergies, it’s not big enough to cause concern; you can’t pass your allergy down through the milk.

Introducing new foods

The right time to introduce solid foods to your child is at about six months old. If they can support their head, they should be fine with new foods. They shouldn’t be completely solid; try mushed-up food, pastes, or other popular baby food. Some say you shouldn’t introduce likely allergy triggers such as peanuts, eggs, or dairy, but research actually shows the opposite.

It recommends giving them to your child when they’re used to more solid food, trying one at a time. Delaying feeding them to your baby might actually increase the likelihood of them developing an allergy.

Asthma

It’s not a food allergy but is a common ailment in children, affecting 1 in 11 kids. To give your child the best chances of avoiding it, you should keep asthma triggers away from them if you can. This might mean taking the carpet out of their bedroom and using wooden or wood-effect floors to remove dust mites. Regularly wash their bedding and pillows (at least once a week). And this one goes without saying – don’t smoke around them.

If you’re scared about your child’s health, don’t be. By being sensible, you can make sure your baby has a normal life. If you ever have any allergy concerns, get in touch with your doctor for their expert advice. Just give your child the best life and if they do ever develop allergies, you can follow the advice in some of our other blogs.

Your child can still live a normal life with an allergy. If you want to talk to an allergy specialist, reach out to us on 02031 433 449.

Are nut allergy risks over-exaggerated for children?

22nd January 2020

Are nut allergy risks over-exaggerated for children?

Allergies are scary when we look at the statistics. In the UK, peanut allergies affect around one in 50 children but they have been increasing over the last few decades. But these children with existing peanut allergies are also at increased risk of developing tree nut allergies with a likelihood of around 30-40%.  

We know these allergies can be severe, causing anaphylaxis. With the high number of people living with nut allergies, it’s easy for many to be wary of the harmful effects of an allergic reaction. These severe reactions lead to a lot of concern among parents and caregivers for children. But are the risks of nut allergies a little overblown in the UK?

Low risk of fatality

Despite the severity of anaphylaxis, deaths from food allergies in children and adults are very rare in the UK. There are an average of ten deaths per year from food-related anaphylaxis including both children and adults. That includes all food, not only nuts. In the UK, the most common cause of death in children aged 1 to 14 years is cancer, accounting for around 250 deaths per year.

The risk of complications

When we compare the numbers, it may seem as if allergy risks are overblown. However, even though an allergic reaction to nuts may not often result in a fatality, it can still lead to severe problems and hospitalisation. 

An anaphylactic shock can obstruct airways and cause blood pressure to drop. Without prompt treatment, it can leave people with brain damage from the lack of oxygen. It can even be so severe as to cause a coma. 

Allergies are serious

It’s no wonder many children and parents live their lives in a state of anxiety because of a nut allergy. They are serious and can cause life-altering conditions, if not death. We don’t blow the risks from nut allergies out of proportion in the UK. 

If anything, we need better awareness in schools and among caregivers to safeguard more children from the risk of anaphylaxis. However, with the right treatment and prevention methods, you can easily minimise the risks to a child with a nut allergy, allowing them to enjoy their childhood and live life to the full. 

All you need to do is to book an appointment with one of our specialist consultants. They can test you or your child for allergies and advise you on the best treatments to put your mind at ease. If you would like, you can book an appointment here.

There may finally be a drug to treat peanut allergies

27th November 2019

There may finally be a drug to treat peanut allergies

Scientists are always working hard to come up with new ways to combat the growing problem of allergies. While we’re uncertain about what causes certain allergies, we’re still making advancements in treatments and potential cures. The latest breakthrough is a new drug for people with peanut allergies. 

Don’t get too excited just yet. It’s currently with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in America. They’re a regulatory body similar to the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products (EMA). It’s their job to make sure any new advances are safe for public use. But if it makes it through that stage, it could be life-changing for those with peanut allergies. 

The first treatment of its kind

The drug, Palforzia, was developed by a California startup company called Aimmune Therapeutics. The drug is for oral use, as part of oral immunotherapy. This method involves ingesting small doses of the allergen, gradually increased over the months, to desensitise the immune system and reduce the overreaction to the allergen. 

If the drug is effective, patients could become able to withstand coming into contact with small amounts of peanuts. They won’t be eating them by the handful anytime soon, but it could at least prevent an anaphylactic shock. If it’s approved, the drug will be the first approved treatment for food allergies in the US. But what about the UK?

Palforzia in Europe

The UK and US have different rules for food and drug legislation. It could be a long while before we approve this drug – or a similar one – in the UK. However, many allergists are raising the question of how new this treatment really is. 

Immunotherapy is not a new concept. Many allergists have been treating food allergies with similar methods, using peanut flour or other products from retail vendors, without the high costs often associated with big pharmaceutical companies. 

Either way, the treatment is still not a cure; it has side effects, and does not work for everyone. But when it does, the therapy can be life-changing, acting as a relief to the anxiety and stress that comes with having a life-threatening food allergy. 

The UK will have to wait for now. Immunotherapy is still an option on the table, at least. Before you consider your options, it’s worth speaking to an allergy specialist to make sure you’re doing the best thing for you. 

The consultants at the London Allergy and Immunology Centre are experts in their field, using the most effective treatment methods like immunotherapy to help rid you of symptoms and live an easier life. If you’re looking for relief, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with us.

Food allergies in plain English: a guide for parents and carers

28th August 2019

Food allergies in plain English: a guide for parents and carers

If you’re new to the world of allergies, we know they can be confusing. If you’re caring for your first child with allergies, there are several important things to know. Around 7% of British children have a food allergy. Sometimes, it can be hard to get straight to the relevant information online. We’ve written this guide in plain English so it’s easy to understand, and you can get some helpful tips on how to deal with a child with a food allergy.

What is a food allergy?

A food allergy is an immune system reaction to a particular food (the allergen). This means if your child ingests the food, or sometimes even comes into contact with particles from it, they will experience an allergic reaction. These reactions can be severe and immediate, which is known as anaphylaxis, and this can be deadly. It can also take a little longer, with milder symptoms including a rash, hives, swollen face, lips, or eyes, a blocked nose, watering eyes, or stomach pain for example. 

What is anaphylaxis?

This is a type of allergic reaction which may cause your child to find it difficult to breathe, come out in hives or a rash, develop swollen lips or tongue, to faint, vomit, or feel like something awful is about to happen. It can be fatal. If you think your child is having an anaphylactic reaction, call the emergency services and administer any emergency allergy medication the child uses, such as their Epipen. 

What problems can a food allergy cause a child?

Some children might benefit from seeking the help of a dietician, particularly if they have several allergies, because they might struggle to get all the essential nutrients they need. This is particularly important for young infants who have a milk allergy.

Is there a cure for food allergies?

Although researchers work continuously to find the answer to an allergy cure, there isn’t one just yet. However, you should visit an allergy specialist to find the best treatments available to your child which can greatly improve their quality of life and reduce any risks. You can also:

• Teach your child about their allergy
• Teach all their caregivers about the allergy
• Speak to a professional allergist who can advise you on how best to manage the allergy

The best way to combat the risk from a food allergy is to make sure everyone is educated on the subject. You can use this guide to help you inform other people about the child’s allergy, helping to keep them safe throughout the day.

If you have more questions, the consultants at the London Allergy and Immunology Centre are happy to help. They can test your child for allergies and provide the best treatments and advice to keep them safe. All you need to do is book an appointment by calling 0203 143 3449.

Q&A: Four common questions about peanut allergies

8th May 2019

Q&A: Four common questions about peanut allergies

If you or any of your friends and family suffer from a peanut allergy, finding the right information is the best path to living safely. We’ve highlighted four frequently asked questions about peanut allergies so you’re better equipped to handle yours – or someone’s close to you.

Can you grow out of a peanut allergy?

Unfortunately, growing out of a peanut allergy is relatively uncommon. According to research, only 20% of children outgrow their allergy. A child is most likely to grow out of their allergy before the age of 10. After this, the probability becomes much lower. Scientists are still unsure why this happens, which has raised a lot of hope for future research.

Are peanut allergies always anaphylactic?

Contrary to popular belief, the answer is no. In fact, most peanut allergies are non-severe. Reactions also include non-lethal digestive problems and skin reactions. However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t put safety first at all times. Although only affecting extreme cases, anaphylaxis can be lethal and should be avoided at all costs.

Does peanut oil always cause a reaction for someone with a peanut allergy?

No. It depends on how the peanut oil is processed. Because they remove all allergenic proteins, refined oils are safe. On the other hand, crude oils are not safe and can still contain the proteins that cause someone with an allergy to react.

Am I missing out on nutritional value from not eating peanuts?

It’s true that peanuts are a great source of many vitamins and minerals including Vitamin C magnesium, niacin, and chromium. A peanut-restricted diet will not leave an adult or developing child deficient in these nutrients. If they eat a balanced and healthy diet, there are plenty of other foods that provide these nutrients.

If you or anyone close to you is experiencing signs of a peanut allergy, you should seek help right away. Minor reactions are still concerning as they can worsen over time. With proper diagnosis and care, your allergy doesn’t have to get in the way of your daily life.

For more guidance on how to keep your allergies in check, or to book an allergy test, feel free to call us on 02031 433 449.

How not to approach your allergy

24th April 2019

How not to approach your allergy

Over 20% of the UK population are affected by one or more allergic disorders, and allergies remain extremely common in our daily lives. For those suffering from mild allergies, with symptoms that are minor or manageable, it’s easy to sweep under the carpet.

Here are some examples of how not to approach your allergy, because although your symptoms may be minor now, there’s no guarantee they’ll stay that way.

‘This isn’t an allergy’

When symptoms aren’t severe, it can be easy to dismiss your allergic reactions. You may think ‘I’m not allergic to kiwi, I’m just intolerant, and that’s why I get a mild tingling in my mouth and throat after eating one’. Just because your symptoms aren’t always severe doesn’t mean you should ignore the allergy.

‘I’ll cut down on that’

If you really like something you’re allergic to, you might think having less of it will do the trick. Sure, you’ll have fewer reactions since you’re coming into contact with it less, but every time you let yourself indulge you’ll go right back to suffering, and it’s not worth it. Especially if you have a life-threatening reaction one day.

‘It’ll go away on its own’

With minor symptoms, you might think they’ll disappear over time. For example, if you react to a new detergent you might think it’s your skin getting used to the new formula, rather than it being an allergic reaction to a specific ingredient. However, maintaining use of the product could cause your symptoms to worsen or increase in severity.

‘Everyone will understand my allergy, right?’

The more complex or unusual your allergy, the less people will understand or recognise it. With more severe allergies, it’s dangerous to assume that people around you will have a suitable knowledge about it. It’s best to assume less knowledge than more, even if you sometimes find yourself coming across as patronising or repetitive. It’s your allergy, so own it.

If you find yourself saying any of the above, or if you experience any unusual reactions to a specific food or product, you should get tested for an allergy straight away. Even a minor reaction is still cause for concern and could always worsen over time. Do yourself a favour and educate yourself fast, and try to avoid whatever it is you’re allergic to, even if you really like it.

It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to allergies. To book an allergy test, or to better educate yourself on any potential allergies, contact us on 02031 433 449.