Paediatric Allergists warn about allergies to nuts during Christmas.
During the holidays is increasing consumption of fruits dry.
-Not recommended for children under 3 years take nuts, which are part of sauces and Christmas sweets
– in case of doubt should make an accurate diagnosis in pediatric Allergology unit
Madrid, January 2012.- greater consumption of sweets made with dried fruits, like polvorones, pastas and nougat, increases the number of allergic reactions among children during the Christmas season, as he warns the Spanish society of Clinical Immunology and pediatric allergy (SEICAP). The paediatric Allergists indicate that it is important to avoid nuts before age 3. Many allergic children tested these foods coinciding with the celebrations of Christmas and sometimes made their debut at this time of year with reactions to taste sweets with nuts, often consumed away from home ”, warns the doctor Flora MartÃn-Muñoz of allergy Hospital Infantil La Paz and member of the Committee of the SEICAP food allergy unit.
According to different studies from 3 to 8 per cent of the child population is allergic to any food, a percentage that increases every year, as had been in different epidemiological studies. Milk and eggs are most common, followed by fish allergens, nuts and legumes. However, allergy to nuts is one of the most dangerous and persistent ”, according to the specialist.
During the Christmas season are more frequent meals or food away from home, as well as the consumption of sweets, snacks, dishes and sauces whose ingredients include these potential allergens by the paediatric Allergists’s advise, if there is already a diagnosis of food allergy, intensify surveillance on the composition of the foods that are given to prove the childish To make it more bearable advise mothers who come to the consultation alternative recipes without nuts ”, explains Dr. Marisa Ridao, of the allergy unit of the Hospital of Terrassa and Secretary of SEICAP. For its part, the Spanish Association of allergies to food and the LaTeX (AEPNAA) includes on its website and in its workshops, recipes for sweets without nuts, milk or egg.
Diagnostic tests
Children with egg or milk intolerance are more predisposed to suffer other food allergies. If they have never tried the nuts, Dr. Ridao recommends that begin to eat them in small quantities, preferably in crushed form, and if possible at noon to see the possible effects, because the symptoms can appear immediately ”. In the case of suspected experts advise to go to make a full diagnosis in a consultation specializing in pediatric Allergology. A study of the University Federico II of Naples, published last October in the journal Nutrition, concluded that the best test to diagnose or rule out a food allergy is a test of provocation with the food. However according to Dr. MartÃn-Muñoz always must be preceded by an allergic study carried out by a specialist trained in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases in children. All this makes it possible to detect accurately, and with the least possible risk, allergens responsible for reactions in each child only in this way, it is possible to establish a diet suitable for each patient.
The reactions that may develop in children with allergy to nuts after its intake include hives, angioedema, asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, digestive symptoms or reactions of anaphylaxis. In some cases, if does not act in time to rescue medication, the consequences can be fatal ”, explains Dr. Ridao.
The SEICAP
The Spanish society of Clinical Immunology and Allergology Pediatric (SEICAP) brings together medical specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic or immunodeficient child. It consists of all pediatricians and Allergists specialize in allergy and Immunology pediatric and contributes to improving the quality of life of children allergic to foods, being pioneers in Spain in the techniques of induction to tolerance in milk and egg.
