_What is most alarming about this report is that not only is the occurrence of food allergies on the rise in children, but that children with food allergies are nearly three times as likely to suffer from respiratory or skin allergies as well. Roughly 30% of children with food allergies also suffer from respiratory allergies. Additionally, 25% of children with food allergies also suffer from eczema or skin allergies. Those without food allergies suffer from either respiratory or skin allergies less than 10% of the time.
_There is no consensus as to why the increase is occurring in the U.S. What is known is that similar trends appear to be common in countries where the diet is similar to that found in the U.S. One interesting note is that in countries like China, peanuts are consumed nearly as frequently as in the U.S., but the occurrence of allergies related to peanuts is much lower. One possible reason could be in the way peanuts are prepared before consumption. In the U.S. most are dry roasted whereas in China most peanuts are boiled or fried.
_What is clear from this study is that food allergies among children is a growing problem. Regardless of the causes, it is an issue that must be met with more research. For now the best advice is early diagnosis and avoidance. Through education and preventative measures, we all can work to ensure our children are safe.