The UK Anaphylaxis Campaign has created a film that highlights the severity and associated risks of anaphylaxis and the preventable nature of anaphylaxis deaths. Please watch and share.
Adrenaline auto injector access update: Dail question and answer
in UncategorizedJerry Buttimer T.D. asked the Minister for Health if he would provide an update on the public consultation commenced regarding easier access to rescue drugs in emergencies (including adrenaline); when consultation will be complete; when actions will be taken following the consultation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Read the full q&a here
LEAP study: consensus communication published
in UncategorizedNine international professional allergy organisations today e-published a consensus post LEAP study. Its purpose is to “highlight emerging evidence to existing allergy prevention guidelines regarding potential benefits of supporting early, rather than delayed, peanut introduction during the period of complementary food introduction in infants”. The communication summarises new evidence, comments on how this evidence might affect present guidance for early complementary feeding practices, provides interim guidance regarding early peanut introduction and ends with a rationale for evaluating and applying this policy to a high-risk population.
Read the draft e publication from JACI online here
Making sense of allergies
in UncategorizedWidely reported in the media at home and in the UK on June 5th is Making-Sense-of-Allergies: a report which has investigated ideas about the causes, diagnosis and treatment with a group of allergy specialists:
“Theories about 
allergy – some from medical research and some from lifestyle ‘gurus’ – have led to conflicting ideas about whether allergens should be avoided or homes are too hygienic. Shops, clinics and websites sell allergy tests that don’t work. Allergies are difficult to diagnose and share their symptoms with many other conditions. According to practitioners, far more people think they have an allergy than actually do, which might be why people coping with dangerous allergies complain that waiters think they’re just fussy or nursery staff don’t take their child’s allergy seriously. Are the numbers being swelled by the ‘worried well’? Has allergy become a catch-all self-diagnosis that might be masking other problems or anxieties about modern life?”
“LEAP” study findings are published.
in UncategorizedClick here to access the full paper
IFAN in action
in UncategorizedSince inception in 2010, IFAN members have actively been engaged in raising awareness of allergy in Ireland among health care providers.
IFAN’s Dr. Aideen Byrne and Prof. Jonathan Hourihane with ICGP trainers in Lyrath House, March 2015. Courtesy Bobby Studio.
IFAN’s Dr. Aideen Byrne with ICGP trainers in March 2015. Courtesy Bobby Studio.
Attendees in Cork at one of IFAN’s education sessions for health care staff 2013.
IFAN’s Ruth Charles, Teresa Kelly and Karen Keegan promoting IFAN at EAACI’s Dublin FAAM meeting October 2014.
