My second son has been allergic to peanuts and sesame seeds since he was a toddler. He has never had a life-threatening reaction, but the risk is always with him. He is unable to eat out at most restaurants or travel to many parts of the world. Grocery shopping is an ordeal. He has his own place now, and I live in constant fear. We always hoped he would outgrow his allergies. The 21-year-old almost certainly won’t.
He is in an increasingly crowded ship. For reasons that are not well understood, food allergies have exploded in the 21st century. Peanuts are common triggers, as are wheat, milk, eggs, soybeans, other nuts, and seafood. Beyond the “big eight,” there is a long tail of allergies to other foods, including many fruits, vegetables, and seeds. Some people are allergic to beer, while others are allergic to marijuana. If a human ingests it, someone somewhere may be allergic to it.
This increase has led to an increased burden on healthcare and decreased quality of life for many people trying to avoid potentially fatal reactions. Until recently, the only way to avoid this outcome was to avoid eating the offending food. But while this may be easier said than done, processed foods are often contaminated with unexpected ingredients, and labels are often vague or inaccurate.
But now, with the advent of some new treatments that help avoid allergic reactions not only to food but also to other types of triggers, there is finally hope…
Source: www.newscientist.com
