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Team:Linkoping Sweden/Project/Context
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| - | <p>A food allergy is defined by FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education) as a misguided over-reaction by the immune system to a foreign substance usually harmless for others[1]. This exaggerated immune response is mediated by immunoglobulin antibodies (IgE antibodies) which are proteins produced by the immune system to fight foreign substances. IgE antibodies trigger the symptoms of an allergic reaction, which can vary in severity from slight itchiness to potentially fatal anaphylaxis (difficulty breathing, reduced blood pressure).</p> | + | <p>A food allergy is defined by FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education) as a misguided over-reaction by the immune system to a foreign substance usually harmless for others<sup>[1]</sup>. This exaggerated immune response is mediated by immunoglobulin antibodies (IgE antibodies) which are proteins produced by the immune system to fight foreign substances. IgE antibodies trigger the symptoms of an allergic reaction, which can vary in severity from slight itchiness to potentially fatal anaphylaxis (difficulty breathing, reduced blood pressure).</p> |
| - | <p>A person living with a food allergy is under constant threat from hidden allergens in anything they consume, wear, or even breathe. It is generally considered that peanut allergies are amongst the most dangerous of allergies due to the severity of the symptoms despite minimal contact and the fact that peanut allergies are often life-long[2][3]. Peanut allergies amongst children have risen at alarming rates, tripling between 1997 and 2008 in the United States. Other countries, like Canada, Australia and the UK have observed similar trends[3][4].</p> | + | <p>A person living with a food allergy is under constant threat from hidden allergens in anything they consume, wear, or even breathe. It is generally considered that peanut allergies are amongst the most dangerous of allergies due to the severity of the symptoms despite minimal contact and the fact that peanut allergies are often life-long<sup>[2][3]</sup>. Peanut allergies amongst children have risen at alarming rates, tripling between 1997 and 2008 in the United States. Other countries, like Canada, Australia and the UK have observed similar trends<sup>[3][4]</sup>.</p> |
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Revision as of 17:50, 9 October 2014
The Context
A food allergy is defined by FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education) as a misguided over-reaction by the immune system to a foreign substance usually harmless for others[1]. This exaggerated immune response is mediated by immunoglobulin antibodies (IgE antibodies) which are proteins produced by the immune system to fight foreign substances. IgE antibodies trigger the symptoms of an allergic reaction, which can vary in severity from slight itchiness to potentially fatal anaphylaxis (difficulty breathing, reduced blood pressure).
A person living with a food allergy is under constant threat from hidden allergens in anything they consume, wear, or even breathe. It is generally considered that peanut allergies are amongst the most dangerous of allergies due to the severity of the symptoms despite minimal contact and the fact that peanut allergies are often life-long[2][3]. Peanut allergies amongst children have risen at alarming rates, tripling between 1997 and 2008 in the United States. Other countries, like Canada, Australia and the UK have observed similar trends[3][4].
[2] Scott H. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice. Advances in Diagnosing Peanut Allergy. January 2013: Volume 1(Issue 1): Pages 1-13.
[3] Scott H. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. US prevalence of self-reported peanut, tree nut, and sesame allergy: 11-year follow-up. June 2010: Volume 125 (Issue 6): Pages 1322-1326.
[4] Hugh A.S. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Peanut allergy: Emerging concepts and approaches for an apparent epidemic. September 2007: Volume 120 (Issue 3): Pages 491-503.
