EAACI presents European guidelines on food allergies, anaphylaxis

The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology reported that children are more susceptible to food allergies than adults during a presentation that also included anaphylaxis guidelines at its annual congress in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Between 6% and 17% of Europeans have self-reported food allergies, according to a release from the EAACI. The guidelines reported that these allergies are greater among children than adults and more common in northwestern Europe. Presenters also said that although the incidence appears to be stable over time, prevalence could be growing.

“The lack of understanding surrounding food allergy, its impact on the quality of life, the costs that it generates and reduced awareness of the potential fatality of a serious allergic reaction like anaphylaxis are the reasons that have led [EAACI] to promote and edit unprecedented guidelines in Europe about food allergy and anaphylaxis,” the release said.

Food allergies, prevention, quality of life, anaphylaxis and allergy management in patient settings were the guidelines’ focus. The guidelines were drafted by more than 70 experts worldwide, with the involvement of the EAACI in specialties including pediatrics, immunology, dermatology, asthma and primary care, as well as 21 international patient organizations and European scientific societies, according to the release.

Experts conducted a systematic review of almost 60 studies and meta-analyses and concluded the following prevalence of allergies in Europe: cow’s milk, 6%; wheat, 3.6%; eggs, 2.5%; fish, 2.2%; nuts, 1.3%; seafood, 1.3%; and peanuts, 0.4%, according to self-reported food allergies.

Anaphylaxis incidence in Europe is 1.5 to 8 cases per 100,000 people annually, with main triggers being food, drugs and insect bites, the release said.