More than a third of babies thought to have a peanut allergy could safely lose the diagnosis

More than a third of babies thought to have a peanut allergy could safely lose the diagnosis

More than a third of babies thought to have a peanut allergy could safely lose the diagnosis

More than a third of babies thought to have a peanut allergy could safely have the diagnosis removed, according to a new Australian study. Researchers tested 778 infants who had previously reacted to peanuts and had a positive allergy test, giving them gradually increasing amounts of peanut under strict medical supervision. About 35 percent, or 271 babies, showed no allergic reaction and could be considered peanut tolerant. The researchers say an oral food challenge in a medical setting should be required before children are committed to long-term allergy treatment, noting that 12 percent of babies in the study had anaphylaxis during testing but all reactions were safely managed.

More than a third of babies thought to have a peanut allergy could safely have the diagnosis removed, according to a new Australian study. Researchers tested 778 infants who had previously reacted to peanuts and had a positive allergy test, giving them gradually increasing amounts of peanut under strict medical supervision. About 35 percent, or 271 babies, showed no allergic reaction and could be considered peanut tolerant. The researchers say an oral food challenge in a medical setting should be required before children are committed to long-term allergy treatment, noting that 12 percent of babies in the study had anaphylaxis during testing but all reactions were safely managed.

More than a third of babies thought to have a peanut allergy could safely have the diagnosis removed, according to a new Australian study. Researchers tested 778 infants who had previously reacted to peanuts and had a positive allergy test, giving them gradually increasing amounts of peanut under strict medical supervision. About 35 percent, or 271 babies, showed no allergic reaction and could be considered peanut tolerant. The researchers say an oral food challenge in a medical setting should be required before children are committed to long-term allergy treatment, noting that 12 percent of babies in the study had anaphylaxis during testing but all reactions were safely managed.