The all-party House of Lords science and technology committee said thatthere was now an allergy 'epidemic' in the UK, coupled with 'a severeshortage' of allergy specialists.
The Lords report called for allergy centres to be set up in each regionto diagnose and manage the treatment of patients, support theirfamilies, train healthcare workers and educate schools, employers andcharities about allergy. Centres should also have paediatric allergiststo ensure treatment for children and a smooth transition to adultcare.
The report said that 39 per cent of children were affected with one ormore of asthma, eczema and hayfever in 2004.
It highlighted research carried out by LEAP (Learning Early About PeanutStudy), which is looking into whether eating peanuts in infancy isactually the best method for preventing peanut allergy.
'We are very concerned that the Department of Health dietary adviceregarding peanut consumption for pregnant women and infants is based onevidence that was reported nine years ago. Recent evidence suggests thatthis advice has not succeeded in reducing the prevalence of peanutallergy and may indeed be counterproductive,' the report said.
Further information:http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld/ldsctech.htm#reports.