Children With Asthma More Likely to Have Food Allergies

New research suggests that children with skin allergies or asthma may be more likely to be afflicted by food allergies. Researchers from Columbia University recently looked into the link between asthma and food allergies by studying 228 children visiting an allergy clinic.

As reported by Dawn.com, 28 percent had at least one food allergy, with eggs, peanuts, and milk being the most common. Over 70 percent of the children had sensitivities to at least one food, meaning a positive blood test for antibodies indicating a potential reaction, although many of these children did not exhibit outward symptoms of food allergies.

Some of the children with asthma were tested for food allergies because they had symptom soon after consuming a certain food, making food allergies the likely culprit. But nearly two thirds never had outward signs. Instead, they were tested for food allergies because they had asthma or eczema that was not responding well to medication, causing their doctor to look into other potential factors.

Scientists think that food allergies may be linked to asthma because asthmatic kids have immune systems already 'on the alert,' making them have an increased risk of allergic reactions. The researchers conclude that when children have skin rashes or asthma that cannot be controlled with conventional treatments, doctors should consider the possibility of food allergies, even if the child does not show any of the usual symptoms after consuming food.