Feature length

18 The peanut puzzle

Could the conventional wisdom on children and allergies be wrong?

24 The asthma and food allergy link

If you have asthma on top of a food allergy, you are at increased risk for severe anaphylaxis. But if you manage both conditions, you reduce your risk.

34 Behind the rash

The word ‘urticaria’ is derived from the Latin name for stinging nettle, ‘Urtica’, and is a common symptom of an allergic reaction. However, there is far more to urticaria than meets the eye.

38 A series of unexpected events

Twenty years ago, in a small office in Auckland, a paediatrician wondered if asthma was more severe in New Zealand than other English-speaking countries. Now, Professor Innes Asher chairs the largest epidemiological study in the world – and it is throwing
up some surprising results.

47 Smells like teen spirit:letting go

Adolescence is probably the age most parents fear.This is the age group notorious for risk-taking behaviour, whose peers are more important and whose parents don’t even come into the equation. So how do we ensure that our kids turn into responsible young adults who are able to keep themselves safe?

58 Spotlight on soy allergy

Soy allergy has the reputation of being one of the milder food allergies, usually outgrown quickly. However, new research is throwing up results that may challenge the way we view this humble legume.

Short takes

2 Editorial

3 Making headlines

9 Allergy New Zealand news

10 Your questions14 Real Life: Jessica’s story

16 Real Life: Life in the control seat

24 Hand washing: wage war on allergens

28 Skin: a sensitive issue

42 Healthy home: breaking the mould

52 Marketplace

55 Subscribe and win

56 Giveaways

57 Directory

58 Soy allergy

60 Recipes: winter warmers

62 Classifieds64 Yes you may have cream, yoghurt AND ice-cream with your cake!