In the October 2021 issue of JACI In Practice, Dr Vibha Sharma, Consultant Paediatric Allergist provides an Clinical Commentary Review which helps to distinguish fact from fiction regarding deaths from food allergy. Deaths from food allergy are rare and often unpredictable. Peanut and tree nut allergies account for at least 30-50% of deaths. Adolescents and young adults are at highest risk of death, at least partly because of risk-taking behaviour. Severe poorly controlled asthma is a major contributor. Although IM adrenaline is the treatment of choice, deaths still occur despite timely administration, and thus all patients suffering from anaphylaxis should go directly to the children’s emergency department for review. (JACI Practice Oct 2021).
