Many parents are justifiably concerned that their child could be suffering from an allergy or intolerance. Allergy has emerged as a major health problem in Australia in recent years—particularly for children and young adults.

Some telling statistics:

• Around one in 20 Australian children will suffer from a transient food allergy.

• Peanut allergy in infants in Australia has doubled over the past five years. Today, around one in 200 Australian children are allergic to peanuts.

• Hospitalisation for severe food allergy (anaphylaxis) in young children in Australia has increased fivefold over the past decade.

• The demand for hypoallergenic infant formula is steadily increasing.

• Four of the ten most common chronic illnesses in Australians aged 12 to 24 years are allergic rhinitis (hay fever), asthma, chronic sinusitis and undefined allergy.

• More than 20% of Australian adolescents have asthma-like symptoms—compared with less than 5% in Eastern Europe and some Asian and African countries.

• Eczema in Australian children has increased from 3% to more than 20% in the past generation. A significant number of kids with eczema will have allergies; the more severe the eczema, the more likely allergies are involved.

Allergies in children can cause significant discomfort, affect sleep and impair learning, memory, behaviour and healthy development. Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) can be fatal, and require careful management in the family and community.

All suspected allergies require correct and timely medical diagnosis.

Could my child be suffering from an allergy or intolerance?

• Common allergic symptoms

 The first step to allergy prevention is correctly identifying the cause

• How Allergy Medical can help

Allergy Medical treats and manages the most common allergic conditions and reactions

• Types of allergy

Allergies can play a part in many common health complaints

• Allergy & illness