Irish people top the list when it comes to googling allergy tests - calls for increased awareness

A leading immunologist has called for a national food-allergy strategy to improve patient diagnosis and care.

“Ireland has the highest frequency of googling allergy testing, or related terms, in the world, and yet many things you think you know about allergy may be wrong,” said Dr Niall Conlon.

The consultant immunologist, at St James’s Hospital and Trinity College Dublin, said information on food allergy was dominated by alternative therapists and private medical practitioners.

“This is in keeping with a lack of education about allergy for healthcare professionals, and a lack of investment in centres delivering allergy care,” said Dr Conlon.

He was speaking at a symposium for dietitians last night in Dublin, an event organised by the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute and National Dairy Council.

Dr Conlon said it was vital that a distinction be made between an allergic reaction and food intolerance, because each was fundamentally different.

“Accurate diagnosis, in allergy and intolerance, begins and ends with the patient and the clinical history,” he said.

Dr Conlon also said there were no clinically valid diagnostic laboratory tests for food intolerance.

“This does not mean that dietary modification in food intolerance is incorrect. It must, however, be based on a careful assessment of diet and response to specific or non-specific exclusion diets, in the correct clinical setting.”

The chief executive of the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute, Jennifer Feighan, warned against self-diagnosing a food allergy or food intolerance.

Those who chose to self-diagnose ran the risk that an unrelated, underlying problem could go undetected, or that unnecessary dietary changes could lead to nutritional deficiencies, if not managed properly, said Ms Feighan.

“It is important to raise awareness that if you are concerned about the possibility of a food allergy or intolerance, you need to have it diagnosed accurately by a qualified professional; and it is equally important that dietary adjustments, especially those which impact on key food groups, are made in consultation with a registered dietitian,” she said.

The nutrition manager with the National Dairy Council, Dr Marianne Walsh, said that cow’s milk protein allergy and lactose intolerance were very distinct conditions, which was why registered, qualified health professionals should be consulted to establish what dietary changes should be made.