There seems to have been a rise in the number of people who have food and other allergies in the last 20 or so years.Baylor College of Medicine Professor of Medicine-Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology, Dr. David Corry says it's true in two categories. “There really is a true increase on all forms of allergies. Food allergies as well as skin allergic conditions, asthma, sinusitis --- they’re all on the rise.” He also says some unaffected people say they have them as well --- just for the bragging rights.“There is a component of folks who really don’t have an allergic disease --- but will say in public that they have an allergy for some psychological benefit – like being ‘one of the crowd’ or gaining attention.”
When asked why allergies seem to be more prevalent than before, Dr. Corry says there are many factors. One could be on the backs of some practicing physicians themselves. He says some over-prescribe steroids and antibiotics which rid your body of good bacteria useful in allergy prevention. Also, parents have not been introducing their infants to a wide variety of foods – especially those that could cause an allergic reaction later in life.He suggests parents introduce a pureed version of a wide variety of foods in infancy – even peanuts!