HomeAdvocacy and research – July 2020

Advocacy and research – July 2020

July 10, 2020

Get educated on Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE), participate in research and have your say, including a study on emerging allergens and a study on improving care for those with Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES). Plus, check out our latest mythbuster!


Research: When bread becomes difficult to swallow – explaining Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)

Illustration of the esophagus

Allergists and gastroenterologists are seeing more patients with Eosinophilic Esophagitis, known as EoE. This swallowing disorder affects the esophagus, the tube that leads from the throat to the stomach. EoE is an allergic response that happens when eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) collect in the esophagus. Food can be a trigger, as can pollen.

You can learn more about EoE in an informative article by Jocelyn Jia, Dr. Vishal Avinashi, Dr. Hin Hin Ko, Dr. Lianne Soller, Elaine Hsu and Dr. Edmond Chan. Titled, “When bread becomes difficult to swallow,” the article explains the basics of EoE and covers prevalence, symptoms, diagnosis, and more.

If you think that you or your child may have EoE, a referral to an allergist can help you find out what is going on.

Learn more about EoE by clicking on the boxes below.

EoE resources

Get EoE resources, including tips for optimizing nutrition, and other helpful information.

AllergyCheck.ca

Use this tool to understand whether specific symptoms may be caused by a food allergy and if advice from an allergist is recommended.


Research: Have your say! Participate in important research studies

Check out the calls for participation open to individuals and parents affected by food allergy, and/or Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES). If you have already participated, thank you!

Your input to these studies will inform researchers and our organization with insights for better supporting families managing food allergy and FPIES. Read below to learn more about these opportunities and participate now.

For parents: Emerging allergen study

Emerging Allergy Reporting Tool poster

Has your child had a reaction to an allergen outside of the priority food allergens? If so, participate in this study by completing an online survey.

Your participation will help researchers, and advocacy groups like ours, better understand emerging allergens.

Patients/families affected by FPIES: The FPIES Care Initiatives Community Survey

Mother and child cute little girl resting on her mother's shoulder

Do you, or your child, have FPIES (Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome)? The FPIES Foundation is conducting a survey to learn about what is important to you.

Your input in the study will help further define future initiatives to improve care, research and support for FPIES patients. Please provide your thoughts by taking the survey.


Mythbuster – If someone has a peanut allergy, should they avoid all legumes? 

Myth Stamped in Red Ink with Rubber Hand Stamp

FACT: Peanuts grow underground and are part of the legume family, which includes green beans, peas, and lentils. However, the majority of individuals allergic to peanut are able to eat other legumes.

In the past, it was thought most people allergic to peanut were also allergic to other legumes, but this is not the case. Lupin, another legume, is an emerging allergen, especially for people with peanut allergy. If you have to avoid peanut, it is important that you talk to your allergist about the safety of eating other legumes, which are not part of your regular diet.

lupin beans

Lupin

Lupin is an emerging allergy, especially for peanut-allergic individuals.

Learn more about lupin, who is at risk of lupin allergy, and how lupin and peanut allergy are connected.

peanuts

Priority allergens

Learn more about priority food allergens like peanut, including information on how to avoid the allergens, possible sources and non-food sources of the allergens, and how to report a reaction.

myths vs facts webinar screenshot

Webinar: Food allergy myths

Watch our recorded webinar with Dr. Susan Waserman, to find out more facts behind common food allergy myths on food allergens, signs and symptoms, reactions and more.

Help us educate your communities and share this Mythbuster with them! Find more mythbusters at foodallergycanada.ca/mythbusters. 

Content is based on information included in our food allergy myths webinar by Dr. Susan Waserman, MSc, MD, FRCPC.

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