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Food allergy testing important for public health

Category: Allergy Testing

As families gear up to send their children back to school in the fall, food allergy testing may be something to place on the list of things to do before the kids return to the classroom.

In a recent survey, it was found that the general public appeared to be a bit confused when it came to food allergies and whether or not the condition had a cure.

"Although food allergy is a commonplace term, this study confirms the prevailing misconceptions among the public regarding manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment," said Dr Sami L. Bahna, professor of pediatrics and medicine, chief of allergy & immunology Section at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center.

According Dr Ruchi S. Gupta, from the Children's Memorial Research Center in Chicago, food allergy education is important, "especially since 76 percent of food allergy-related deaths follow consumption of foods outside of the home."

One of the biggest misconceptions found within the survey was that almost half of the 2,148 adult respondents said they believed there was a cure for food allergies.

Concerned parents may want to consider getting a food allergy test to ensure the optimal health of their kids as they return to school.