Australia is starting a unique program to treat peanut allergies in babies, which is the first of its kind in the world, according to BBC.
This new treatment involves giving babies small, increasing amounts of peanut powder every day for at least two years to help them build immunity.
Currently, oral immunotherapy for peanut allergies has only been available through clinical trials or at specific allergy centers. Australia’s program is different because it is being rolled out nationally.
Australia is known for having high rates of allergies, with about 3% of babies having peanut allergies that often persist into childhood.
This new program aims to help these babies by increasing their tolerance to peanuts, reducing the risk and anxiety associated with accidental exposure.
The program is free and available to babies under 12 months who have been diagnosed with a peanut allergy. The treatment will be carefully managed by doctors at ten participating hospitals across the country.
While some children might experience mild side effects, the goal is to make it safer for them to be around peanuts in the future.
Experts hope this program will not only help the children directly involved but also pave the way for similar treatments for other allergies.
However, doctors warn that this type of treatment should only be done under medical supervision and not attempted at home.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0xj3xq5l1vo