There is a link between the incidence of asthma and food allergy in teenage children, according to research by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI).
Teenagers with food allergy are four times more likely to report having asthma than those without food allergy. People with multiple food allergies report 10 times the incidence.
According to Professor Katie Allen, from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, the concern is that for these teens, an anaphylactic reaction may be more likely to be mistaken for an asthma attack, resulting in delayed administration of an adrenaline (epinephrine) autoinjector and increasing the risk of fatal attacks.
“When someone has both asthma and a severe food allergy, an allergic reaction can easily be mistaken for an asthma attack. Instead of immediately administering adrenaline (epinephrine) valuable time can be wasted administering the asthma inhaler,” said Professor Allen.
“Teens and young adults are already identified as a high risk group for fatal anaphylaxis. This new research adds even greater emphasis on the importance of education and resources around teens with allergy. Not just for the allergy sufferers themselves, but for their families, friends, schools, food outlets, sporting clubs and the wider community.
New data shows that fatality rates from anaphylaxis in Australia increased by 6% per year between 1997-20131. This contrasts with recent UK and USA data, which show no such increase.
“Most food allergic reactions occurred in young males with asthma, after consuming their allergic trigger by mistake away from home. Only a minority of these cases were given adrenaline early enough, with many treated for asthma first and anaphylaxis second,” said Dr Raymond Mullins, lead researcher on the ASCIA-funded study.
“It’s of dire importance that when serious signs and symptoms of a reaction occur, the person lies down and adrenaline is administered as soon as possible. If there is uncertainty as to whether the person is having anaphylaxis or asthma, it is essential adrenaline is given first, followed by asthma medicines.”
Mullins stressed the importance of laying the person flat. The research found that two thirds of food allergy related deaths occurred in those standing or sitting after a reaction, including while being driven to hospital.