Health and Nutrition
Guidance to be issued on food allergies
The UK's first guidelines on how to diagnose food allergies in children have been drafted by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).
The NHS watchdog has published a consultation on the guidance, which advises early years workers to quickly investigate early indications of intolerance or allergy. It aims to support GPs and health practitioners in primary care and community settings to recognise the signs and symptoms of food allergy.
If an allergy is suspected, it recommends the GP take an allergy-focused clinical history to assess the child's condition. The guidelines say the condition should be considered if the child has a combination of skin conditions such as eczema, respiratory complaints, gastrointestinal problems, or anaphylaxis (a hyper-sensitive allergic reaction).
George Du Toit, a consultant in paediatric allergy at Guy's and St Thomas's Hospital in London, welcomed the guidance and encouraged people to submit their comments on best practice.
'The document acknowledges the rising problem of food allergies, recognises the correct tests and procedures for diagnosis, and details the referral pathways for further treatment. It also states that the hocus-pocus on the high street should be left alone. Igg, hair test and the Vega test have no role in investigating allergies at all.'
He added, 'Allergy treatment can be seen as a bit of a luxury in the financial climate, so these NICE guidelines will be good news for patients at a primary care level. NICE recommendations carry a lot of weight and will give parents and carers a leg to stand on.
'The document also stresses the recent House of Lords Department of Health review which found a big disparity around the UK with allergy support and services on offer. This situation must be improved.'
Lindsey McManus, head of information and training at Allergy UK, said, 'Establishing more service and care at a primary level is something we've been campaigning for. There are not enough allergy centres around the UK and GPs get very little training, so the NICE guidelines will make a huge difference.'
The consultation on the guidelines runs until 6 September.
