A new study on severe allergic reactions raises a red flag for people with nut allergies. More broadly, the study's findings could lead to faster diagnoses in emergency care for people suffering from anaphylactic reactions.
This McGill University study, led by Dr. Moshe Ben-Shoshan's team, revealed that alcohol consumption was linked to more severe allergic reactions to nuts. According to them, nut-flavored alcoholic beverages, even those containing artificial flavors, could expose people to traces of allergens and increase the risk of a severe reaction.
More generally, the study identified trends between triggers and symptoms of anaphylaxis, an allergic reaction that, if left untreated, can lead to death within minutes.
Scientists found that food was the most common trigger, responsible for more than half of the cases. In this category, nuts stood out, as they are more likely to cause throat-tightening symptoms than other allergens. Reactions to insect stings, on the other hand, were more likely to cause heart problems, such as a drop in blood pressure.
Gaps to fill
Anaphylaxis is most often triggered by food, insect stings, and medications. Doctors regularly use epinephrine to treat the reaction, but the study's authors say that professionals rarely understand why certain triggers cause well-defined symptoms; a lack of knowledge that can delay diagnosis and treatment.
"By identifying certain trends, doctors could provide life-saving care more quickly in emergencies. For people with allergies, understanding the role of alcohol and other triggers could help them make more cautious choices," says Roy Khalaf, lead author and fourth-year medical student at McGill University's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
"During the holiday season, people have access to an abundance of nut-based drinks and snacks. It is therefore crucial to be extra vigilant to avoid any accidental exposure to allergens," he adds.
According to him, the study's findings could influence labeling practices in the agri-food industry by emphasizing the importance of providing clear information on allergens to protect consumers.
The study, published in
International Archives of Allergy and Immunology, is one of the most ambitious Canadian initiatives to examine anaphylaxis in adults, a field that is still poorly understood. As part of this study, scientists analyzed data from more than 1,100 cases treated in emergency rooms across Canada over a 10-year period.
Subsequently, the team plans to explore less severe reactions outside of emergency situations. They also hope to study the link between nuts and alcohol to improve allergy management.
The study is the result of a collaborative effort led by Dr. Moshe Ben-Shoshan, Assistant Professor in the Division of Allergy and Immunology and Clinical Dermatology, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre (MUHC). It brings together scientists from the following universities: University of Calgary, University of British Columbia, Memorial University, McMaster University, University of Toronto, and University of Manitoba.
The study
The article "Symptomatology and Management of Adult Anaphylaxis according to Trigger: A Cross-Sectional Study," by Roy Khalaf et al., was published in
International Archives of Allergy and Immunology. The study was conducted without external sponsorship or funding.