Dr Hugh A. Sampson, who conducted a lecture series in New Zealand in 2005 for medical professionals, the general public and the food industry, was elected President of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) during its 2008 Annual Meeting in Philadelphia recently.

A Canadian specialist has called for more children to be screened for coeliac disease to reduce the risk of serious complications caused when the condition is left undiagnosed. Because the disease causes damage to the small intestine, the body has a harder time absorbing the nutrients in food.  It can lead to other health complications including osteoporosis, anemia and an increased risk of bowel cancer.

Two articles have been provided on the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) website to alleviate the confusion between sulfite and sulfonamide allergies. Sulfites used as preservatives in some drinks, foods and occasionally medications can cause allergy-like reactions (intolerances), asthma symptoms such as wheezing in those with underlying asthma, hay fever-like reactions, urticaria (hives) and very rarely, anaphylaxis.

The latest version of the British Retail Consortium (BRC) Standard was published in January 2008 and contains more detail on allergen management. BRC director of global standards Dr Geoff Spriegel acknowledged that while allergen management has always been part of the BRC Standard, many manufacturers, retailers and lobby groups have criticised it for being short on detail, and in some cases, set up their own standards and certification schemes rather than following the BRC Standard.

Anaphylaxis Australia is holding a series of workshops about caring for someone who is at risk of anaphylaxis. Topics covered include a description of anaphylaxis, the main food triggers, strategies to reduce the risk of a reaction including allergen minimisation, and the importance of good communication between parents & carers. The workshops will be held in Hornby on the following dates: 16th April, 21st May and 18th June 2008.

New research published by a team from Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry has found a key component of the body's own response to allergens can be targeted to reduce the severity of allergic reactions.

The researchers used mouse models to show that by targeting a molecule called p110δ it is possible to interfere in the allergic reaction before symptoms occur, but without shutting down the immune system and leaving the body vulnerable to infection.