'Food allergies treatable but require awareness'

ISLAMABAD:

Food allergies necessitate immediate attention and there is a critical need for public awareness for timely, cost-effective treatment which is entirely curable if proper precautions are taken, said Food Allergy Expert, Dr Anwarul Haq Roomi.

"Neglecting it can have severe and potentially life-threatening consequences," he warned.

Dr Roomi explained food allergies can manifest at any stage of life, from early childhood to adulthood and occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies certain foods as harmful, triggering a defensive response.

Food allergies can be inherited, he said, adding that approximately 80% of food allergies manifest in children, making them significantly more prone to developing these allergies compared to adults and the elderly.

The expert emphasised that in South Asian countries, including Pakistan, there is a growing need for holistic treatment approaches to address the physical aspects of food allergies.