(NaturalPath) According to a study out of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) and published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, conducted a study to show that kids can be near food allergy triggers without fear. Allergists realize people who are severely allergic to a food can experience great anxiety when encountering the food in any form – especially kids. Food proximity challenges prove to most kids they can be near food allergy triggers without fear.
“We developed the proximity food challenge to help ease anxiety in kids with food allergies,” said the lead author. “The challenge allows kids with food allergies – such as to peanut butter or milk – to not only be in the same room with the food, but also to breath in the air and have food placed on their skin. Kids see for themselves it is safe to be near their food allergen as long as they don’t eat it or get it into their eyes, nose or scraped skin. It’s a great relief.”
According to the researchers, a large majority of allergic individuals are only affected if the allergen is ingested. A very small percentage of people have a severe reaction to breathing in dust or vapor from the allergen.
One co-author added, “We’ve done dozens of proximity food challenges and the majority of children have not suffered a reaction. Actually, only one child had a hive appear. Most kids are initially scared, but when they don’t have a reaction, their fears are eased, and they have a new sense of freedom. They have more confidence in being a part of their community.”
If your child – and you – are fearful of your child’s allergen, maybe the food proximity challenge is a good option to give you both peace and relief.
Razi Berry, Founder and Publisher of Naturopathic Doctor News & Review (ndnr.com) and NaturalPath (thenatpath.com), has spent the last decade as a natural medicine advocate and marketing whiz. She has galvanized and supported the naturopathic community, bringing a higher quality of healthcare to millions of North Americans through her publications. A self-proclaimed health-food junkie and mother of two; she loves all things nature, is obsessed with organic gardening, growing fruit trees (not easy in Phoenix), laughing until she snorts, and homeschooling. She is a little bit crunchy and yes, that is her real name.
