Not only is America’s love for fast food expanding waistlines, it is thought to be possibly increasing the risk for developing allergies and asthma in teenagers and young children. According to a study released on Monday from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC), children who consumed fast food three or more times a week had a 30 percent increased risk of severe asthma, eczema and hay fever.
But before you ban your favorite fast food chain for eternity, it’s important to note the study also suggests that lifestyle differences in children and teens might also be linked to this increased risk.
“Although the data from this large, well-designed study from Europe does suggest that fast foods and certain diets predisposed children to asthma and eczema, it also may have been influenced by lifestyle differences as well,” says allergist Stanley Fineman, MD, immediate past president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “These were not directly reported in this study but we do know that allergies, asthma and eczema are inflammatory diseases that are multifactorial.”
According to the ACAAI, an estimated 50 million Americans have an allergy, and 21.9 million have asthma. While both conditions first appear in childhood, they can occur at any time.
Dr. Fineman is available to speak about this study and other risks for developing allergies and asthma. To schedule an interview, please contact Christine Westendorf at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology by calling 847-427-1200 or emailing [email protected].
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