Possible reasons for allergies

Theories for why the number of allergies is rising:

• Decreased exposure to infections or microbes in early life. This is known as the hygiene hypothesis.
• Delayed introduction of allergenic foods until later in childhood, such as eggs and nuts.
• Different methods of preparing foods. For example, roasting peanuts increases allergenicity while boiling reduces them.
• Vit D deficiency increases the risk of developing allergies, according to several studies.
• Allergies may develop after exposure to allergens.
• Altered gut bacterial species due to low-fibre diets and antibiotic use.

Most allergic reactions are only mild to moderate and can effectively be treated with antihistamines. But other reactions can be life-threatening and require emergency medical treatment.

The most severe allergic reactions are known as anaphylaxis, and people who suffer from it should have ...