Young Boys are 30% More Vulnerable to Peanut Allergy

Health records of more than 400 general practitioners in England have revealed that generally boys who come from well off families are more likely to be affected by peanut allergy. Peanut allergies commonly lead to breathing problems but sometimes can trigger an anaphylactic shock. Peanut allergy was found to be most common in children between 5-9years of age. The research showed that when compared with girls below 20 years, boys of the same age group have 30% more vulnerability to peanut allergies. But this pattern reverses by the age of 24years, with women being at a slightly more risk than men. This trend could be attributed to the biological changes linked to sex hormones during puberty, which might have some influence on immune system-driven allergic reactions. However, more scientists feel the need to do more research in this field.

Lead of the study, Dr. Daniel Kotz said, "This research has shown that whilst peanut allergy is less common than previously thought, it affects over 25,000 people in England. Having a serious allergy like this can cause great anxiety and stress to those affected. We now need more research to help explain why the condition occurs relatively more often in boys and affluent people."


Source-Medindia