Food Allergy Among U.S. Children Increasing According to CDC
Study supports what FAAN has been reporting for many years
A study published by the National Center for Health Statistics division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that one out of every 25 children has a food allergy, representing about a 20% increase between 1997 to 2007.
The study also showed that hospitalizations of children due to food allergy reactions in the U.S. have significantly increased since 1998, with an average of 9,537 hospitalizations a year.
These findings are similar to what FAAN and others have been reporting--food allergy in children is increasing. There is no question that food allergy is a public health concern in children.
“My daughter was diagnosed with an allergy to milk and eggs 24 years ago,” said Anne Muñoz-Furlong, founder and CEO of the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network. “Parents today are getting the same advice I was given almost a quarter of a century ago. Parents are simply told to go home and avoid the allergen, and be prepared in case a reaction occurs.”
Several studies have shown that in spite of best efforts to avoid allergens, reactions will occur. The CDC study indicates that an increasing number of these reactions are severe. Children who are living with food allergies need treatment options for preventing reactions.
The increase in the number of children with food allergies clearly shows the need for more research funding to help scientists understand why we are becoming more allergic, how to stop food allergy from developing in children, and how to cure those who already have food allergies.
Until there’s a cure, education of patients, health professionals, the food industry and others is key to saving lives.
To view a full copy of the study, visit http://cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db10.htm
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