BRITISH ALLERGY FOUNDATION
The British Allergy Foundation was formed as a registered
charity in 1991 by a group of leading specialists who were
all determined to improve the awareness, prevention and
treatment of allergy.
With the numbers of allergies increasing in the UK and
with the numbers of sufferers looking set to continue to
rise this century, the British Allergy Foundation’s
experts have identified a number of possible causes, which
are directly linked to the way we live today:
- Exposure to viral infections protects infants against
the development of ‘atopy’ (sensitivity to
allergens). Reduced exposure to infections in recent years
means that today’s children are exposed to fewer
infections than in the past, so are more likely to experience
an allergic reaction to ‘harmless’ substances
such as pollen, peanuts and pets.
- Greater exposure to a wider range of allergens, e.g.
in our food and environment, at an early age. The incidence
of the potentially life threatening peanut allergy has
doubled during the last ten years. It is now estimated
that one in 200 children suffers from a peanut allergy.
- Greater exposure to pet allergies, as more families
have cats or dogs living inside in the home - cats have
recently overtaken dogs as the nation’s favourite
pet. However research funded by the British Allergy Foundation
is currently underway to help cat owners who suffer from
allergies to live with their pet.
- Increased exposure to house dust mites in soft fumishings
and carpets encouraged by a greater reliance on the use
of central heating in our homes, offices and schools.
Muriel Simmons, Chief Executive of the British Allergy
Foundations says:
“There are a number of reasons why allergic conditions
are still on the increase and causing untold misery to sufferers.
As we begin the 21st century, The British Allergy Foundation
would like to see more research being undertaken, in an
attempt to slow the allergy march before allergies reach
epidemic proportions in the UK.”
The British Allergy Foundation is committed to help allergy
suffers and offering practical advice on avoidance measurers,
(which does not always have to mean removing your carpets
and giving away your cat!).
The British Allergy Foundation has a comprehensive range
of information leaflets and literature, which offers advice
on lifestyle tips, avoidance measures and treatment advice
on a wide range of allergies.
To receive any of these leaflets and find out what other
services the British Allergy Foundation can offer, call
the Helpline on 020 8303 8583, or write to them at the following
address, enclosing a cheque for £10.00 if you wish
to become a member:
The British Allergy Foundation,
Deepdene House,
Bellegrove Road,
Welling,
Kent. DAI6 SPY.
(Registered Charity Number 1003726)
Office Telephone Number: 0208 303 8525
BAF Helpline Number: 0208 303 8583
Visit our Webslte at: www.allergyfoundation.com
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