Fantasy of Knowledge

Food allergy

In France, the number of food allergies has increased dramatically in recent years. Children or adults, no one is spared, and this problem is sometimes very serious. How to diagnose and treat these allergies? Who is most vulnerable? Answers.

People most at risk

Food allergy affects about two million people in France. It often occurs in young children, and fortunately a lot of food allergies disappear during the first five years.

The causes of allergies are different, but it nevertheless appears that family history of allergy is one of the most predictive. Indeed, children with one allergic parent have twice the risk of developing food allergy than children without allergic parents.

Food allergy is linked to immune system dysfunction. A substance (the allergen) was first in contact with the immune system. When it is the second time in contact with the allergen, there is a release of biochemical substances - including histamine - an abnormal reaction will be triggered. The allergic reaction may be more or less severe and "speak" differently depending on the allergen itself, or the immune mechanisms involved.