Sharjah: Food allergies are on the rise, affecting six per cent of children in the UAE, the University Hospital Sharjah (UHS) said on Wednesday.
The pattern of incidence here is in line with the global prevalence trend, according to a study conducted in the UAE, said the UHS, which held this year’s Food Allergy Awareness Week from May 8 to 14.
“Nobody is certain why food allergies are on the rise. It could be a number of factors such as environment, the types of [processed] food we are eating, or an inherited genetic disposition,” said Dr Hanan Al Sharif, consultant paediatrician.
She called for more measures to safeguard children, pointing out extreme forms of allergies can potentially be life-threatening.
“Schools must be aware of the issues relating to children with allergies and there should always be trained staff available who can use an EpiPen,” Dr Al Sharif said.
EpiPen is a device often used for injecting medication during serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).
“Unfortunately, most restaurants still do not have menus that show what the ingredients are and processed foods often do not label the potential allergic foods on their packaging.”
Her comments came in the wake of the awareness week, whose theme this year was ‘Food Allergies: React with Respect’.
During the week, the UHS held a series of activities and workshops, including those for teaching people how to use the EpiPen. People visiting UHS were also given a Skin Prick Test pack to check if they are allergic to certain foods, and were also advised on how to avoid food allergens.
Dr Al Sharif added: “It is important not to confuse food allergies with food intolerance. With food allergies the immune system is involved, while in food intolerance cases, the body is not able to tolerate certain foods. People confuse the two.”
Dr Al Sharif said children who are known to have severe food allergies should carry an EpiPen with them at all times, as they may eat foods without knowing what it contains and are at risk of developing anaphylaxis.
