THE number of kids treated in hospital for severe allergic reactions has soared in the past five years, research reveals.
Cases of anaphylactic shock — commonly from food allergies — are up by 72 per cent.
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NHS figures show there were 1,746 children aged 18 and under admitted to hospital in 2018/19, up from 1,015 in 2013/14. When adults are included there has been a 34 per cent jump, from 4,107 cases to 5,497.
Among those children aged ten and under the increase was 200 per cent, from 110 to 330.
The data was obtained by an allergy foundation set up by the parents of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse who died in 2016 aged 15 after a severe allergic reaction to a Pret a Manger baguette.
They successfully campaigned for a change in the law which means that from 2021 all pre-packed foods must carry a full list of ingredients. Natasha’s mum Tanya said: “These terrifying figures show we are facing an emergency.
“Scientists don’t yet understand why the numbers of children with allergies are on the rise, which is why it is vital we invest in projects into both the causes and potential cures.”
Experts say the increase in food allergies may be due to environmental changes.
