Latest news with #NatashaAllergyResearchFoundation
Daily Mail
26-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Warning as 'healthy' 20 year-old is killed by vegetarian ready meal: 'Within 10 minutes she was struggling to breathe'
A grieving mother has warned parents of children with allergies to always be prepared for a deadly reaction—after her 'beautiful' daughter died days after eating a contaminated ready meal. Jess North, 20, from West Sussex, died on 14 May 2021, five days after suffering a lethal reaction to peanuts that were in a ready meal that she had safely eaten before without problems. Within 10 minutes of consuming 'a few mouthfuls' of the sweet potato dish, and having left the house to visit friends, Jess called her mother to tell her she was having difficulty breathing. She attempted to use her Epipen—an autoinjector of adrenaline that relieves extreme allergic reactions—the dose was too low to achieve the desired effect. The keen athlete had never had to use the emergency treatment before, which meant her prescription had not been updated since she was a child, when the required amount was far lower. Despite efforts to attempt to save her by doctors at St Richards hospital in Chichester, she died five days later after scans showed no brain activity. Now her mother Maxine, 59, has vowed to raise awareness of the dangers of severe allergies, and will be attempting physical challenges to generate funds for The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation. Recalling the day of the fatal reaction, when her world 'fell apart', she told The Argus: 'I was 20 minutes from dishing up the Sunday roast when Jess decided that she didn't want the meat that was on the menu. 'The kitchen was a hive of activity, so I asked her to look in the freezer to see if there was something that she could have in its place. 'She pulled out a pre-made shop bought sweet potato dish saying that she had it before.' While she was aware the meal could contain peanuts, she'd eaten it previously without suffering a reaction, leading her to believe she'd be safe. 'Once seated for dinner Jess took a couple of mouthfuls of the sweet potato and said she didn't like it, pushed it to one side and ate the vegetables,' Maxine added. Then she went upstairs, gathered her things and jumped in the car to make the short drive to meet a friend. Within 10 minutes, Jess called her mother to say she was struggling to breathe—leading Maxine to be immediately convinced that she was having an allergic reaction. 'She was near Arundel on the A27, so I told her to pull over and administer her EpiPen', Maxine said. Maxine also told Jess to call 999 as soon as she had administered the EpiPen, in line with NHS guidelines. By the time her parents got there, paramedics were already at the scene. Maxine continued: 'I have no recollection of how my husband and I got [to Jess]. It's a complete blur.' Jess was then rushed to St Richards hospital in Chichester as the paramedics fought to keep her alive after she stopped breathing twice on route. 'We had to wait for what seemed like an eternity while they stabilised Jess,' Maxine said. Jess was on life-support for three days before her doctors felt she was strong enough to undergo an MRI to determine the extent of the damage to her brain. A life-threatening allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, occurs when the immune system mistakenly overreacts and releases a flood of chemicals that send the body into shock, stopping patients from breathing. As well as rapid organ failure, this can restrict oxygen to the brain, resulting in lethal brain damage. Other common symptoms of anaphylaxis include swelling of the throat and tongue, difficulty swallowing, coughing, feeling tired, feeling faint or fainting and blue, grey or pale skin. Maxine said: 'Doctors couldn't reassure us as to the damage t had been done until she woke up'. The next morning, doctors started to take Jess off of medication, hoping that she would wake up so that they could run further tests. But Jess didn't show any signs of consciousness. The medical team carried out another MRI which revealed that there was no brain activity. Jess' parents were then informed by doctors that there was nothing else they could do to help. 'I can't remember much from that point,' said Maxine. 'All I knew was my beautiful baby had gone and our life had changed forever.' Remarkably, Jess had never had a severe allergic reaction before this point. 'It is always a worry, any allergy parent will tell you that,' said Maxine. 'But it didn't define us. 'We would always ask for an allergen list and would be extremely careful, but we still lived. We went away to places like Thailand, and it was okay'. Now, Maxine is urging GP practices to start sending reminder alerts to patients with severe allergies to check their EpiPens are the correct dosage. Jess' tragic death comes amid a new dawn in the treatment of childhood allergies. Earlier this year, experts at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London announced the promising results of a life-changing trial that saw 14 of 21 people with peanut allergy able to eat peanuts every day without a reaction. The desensitising process—known as oral immunotherapy—works by getting sufferers to consume microscopic amounts of peanuts, gradually increasing their dosage to build up immunity. Chief Investigator Professor Stephen Till, Professor of Allergy at King's College London, said: 'Constant fear of life-threatening reactions place a huge burden on people with peanut allergy. 'Although peanut immunotherapy is known to be effective in children, this trial provides preliminary evidence that adults can also be desensitised and that this improves quality of life.' About one in every 200 adults in the UK—0.5 per cent—has a nut allergy. Experts estimate that 10 Brits die from an allergic reaction to food each year, with 5,000 people hospitalised for severe reactions. Children with allergies are considered to be especially at risk from severe reactions as, due to their smaller body size, small amounts of allergens provoke bigger reactions.
The Independent
15-02-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Eight secret signs your child could be suffering from an allergy
King Charles is backing a new initiative to tackle food allergies in schools after research found many teachers lack awareness training. The Allergy School programme was set up in 2019 by the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation. The foundation itself was founded in 2016 following the death of British teen Natasha Ednan-Laperouse in Nice. The 15-year-old died after eating a baguette with sesame seeds — to which she was allergic — baked into the dough. The Allergy School programme was developed in collaboration with the King's Foundation. It aims to equip teachers with the know-how to manage food allergies in students. 'Improving understanding of this issue is so important for keeping children with food allergies safe and ensuring they are able to participate fully in activities at school or in our wider communities,' King Charles says. How much do you know about allergies? To help, we've consulted an expert who has identified the most common food allergies in children and the key symptoms to watch for. What are the most common food allergies in children? 'The most common food allergens in children include milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts (e.g., almonds, cashews), sesame, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish,' says Helen Brough, professor in paediatric allergy and medical adviser to the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation. What are some signs that might indicate a child has a food allergy? 1. Swelling 'Puffiness around the lips, face, or eyes can indicate an allergic reaction,' says Brough. 2. Hives or skin rash ' Red, itchy, raised spots can appear shortly after eating,' notes Brough. 3. Sneezing or nasal congestion 'Allergic rhinitis symptoms like a runny nose can also appear,' says Brough. 4. Itchy mouth or throat ' People may experience mild irritation [in the mouth or throat] after eating certain foods, like fresh fruits or nuts,' says Brough. 5. Stomach issues 'Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or stomach cramps may also occur,' adds Brough. 6. Breathing problems 'Coughing, wheezing, or trouble breathing could signal a serious reaction,' says Brough. 7. Dizziness or fainting 'In severe cases, a drop in blood pressure may cause weakness or collapse,' highlights Brough. 8. Delayed signs 'There are two types of food allergy — immediate (mediated by the IgE antibody) which cause the symptoms described above, and delayed (non-IgE mediated),' explains Brough. 'In delayed food allergy, more delayed, persistent signs can be present, like eczema, vomiting, stomach pains, loose or mucousy bowel motions.' An allergic reaction can last anywhere from a few minutes to several days, depending on the severity and type of reaction. 'IgE mediated reactions usually occur within minutes to two hours after eating the allergen,' explains Brough. 'Severe reactions, like anaphylaxis, can happen quickly, within 30 minutes. 'Delayed food allergic reactions can come on up to 72 hours after eating the food.' 'Parents can keep a food diary to track meals and symptoms,' says Brough. 'A paediatric allergy specialist can perform tests, such as a skin prick test or specialist allergy blood test, to identify specific food allergens. 'In some cases, an oral food challenge (where the child is given the food to eat under medical supervision) may be recommended.' 'If the child has symptoms or signs of anaphylaxis (e.g., difficulty breathing, persistent cough, hoarse voice, swollen tongue, wheeze, suddenly sleepy, persistently dizzy or fainting), administer an adrenaline auto-injector (e.g., EpiPen or Jext) immediately and call 999 saying the word anaphylaxis,' advises Brough. If no auto-injector is available, call 999 immediately. 'Keep the child calm and lying down until help arrives but if they are having breathing difficulties they may be allowed to sit up,' adds Brough. 'If they are no better within five minutes, use their second adrenaline autoinjector. If there are no signs of life, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).'
The Independent
12-02-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Eight signs your child could be suffering from a food allergy
King Charles is backing a new initiative to tackle food allergies in schools after research found many teachers lack awareness training. The Allergy School programme was set up in 2019 by the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation. The foundation itself was founded in 2016 following the death of British teen Natasha Ednan-Laperouse in Nice. The 15-year-old died after eating a baguette with sesame seeds — to which she was allergic — baked into the dough. The Allergy School programme was developed in collaboration with the King's Foundation. It aims to equip teachers with the know-how to manage food allergies in students. 'Improving understanding of this issue is so important for keeping children with food allergies safe and ensuring they are able to participate fully in activities at school or in our wider communities,' King Charles says. How much do you know about allergies? To help, we've consulted an expert who has identified the most common food allergies in children and the key symptoms to watch for. What are the most common food allergies in children? 'The most common food allergens in children include milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts (e.g., almonds, cashews), sesame, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish,' says Helen Brough, professor in paediatric allergy and medical adviser to the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation. What are some signs that might indicate a child has a food allergy? 1. Swelling 'Puffiness around the lips, face, or eyes can indicate an allergic reaction,' says Brough. 2. Hives or skin rash ' Red, itchy, raised spots can appear shortly after eating,' notes Brough. 3. Sneezing or nasal congestion 'Allergic rhinitis symptoms like a runny nose can also appear,' says Brough. 4. Itchy mouth or throat ' People may experience mild irritation [in the mouth or throat] after eating certain foods, like fresh fruits or nuts,' says Brough. 5. Stomach issues 'Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or stomach cramps may also occur,' adds Brough. 6. Breathing problems 'Coughing, wheezing, or trouble breathing could signal a serious reaction,' says Brough. 7. Dizziness or fainting 'In severe cases, a drop in blood pressure may cause weakness or collapse,' highlights Brough. 8. Delayed signs 'There are two types of food allergy — immediate (mediated by the IgE antibody) which cause the symptoms described above, and delayed (non-IgE mediated),' explains Brough. 'In delayed food allergy, more delayed, persistent signs can be present, like eczema, vomiting, stomach pains, loose or mucousy bowel motions.' How quickly do allergic reactions come on after consuming food? An allergic reaction can last anywhere from a few minutes to several days, depending on the severity and type of reaction. 'IgE mediated reactions usually occur within minutes to two hours after eating the allergen,' explains Brough. 'Severe reactions, like anaphylaxis, can happen quickly, within 30 minutes. 'Delayed food allergic reactions can come on up to 72 hours after eating the food.' 'Parents can keep a food diary to track meals and symptoms,' says Brough. 'A paediatric allergy specialist can perform tests, such as a skin prick test or specialist allergy blood test, to identify specific food allergens. 'In some cases, an oral food challenge (where the child is given the food to eat under medical supervision) may be recommended.' 'If the child has symptoms or signs of anaphylaxis (e.g., difficulty breathing, persistent cough, hoarse voice, swollen tongue, wheeze, suddenly sleepy, persistently dizzy or fainting), administer an adrenaline auto-injector (e.g., EpiPen or Jext) immediately and call 999 saying the word anaphylaxis,' advises Brough. If no auto-injector is available, call 999 immediately. 'Keep the child calm and lying down until help arrives but if they are having breathing difficulties they may be allowed to sit up,' adds Brough. 'If they are no better within five minutes, use their second adrenaline autoinjector. If there are no signs of life, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).'
The Independent
11-02-2025
- Health
- The Independent
These symptoms are signs of food allergies in children
Food allergies can vary from mild to severe. King Charles has prioitised awareness about them in a new initative that aims to help increase awareness in schools. The Allergy School programme, created by the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, provides free resources for educators and carers of children aged three to 11. The Foundation was founded in June 2019 following the tragic death of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, who died from eating sesame seeds that were baked into the dough of a baguette. The programme was created when the foundation found most teachers lack allergy awareness training. It was partially developed in collaboration with the King's Foundation - which was established by Charles. He said: 'Improving understanding of this issue is so important for keeping children with food allergies safe and ensuring they are able to participate fully in activities at school or in our wider communities.' How much do you know about allergies? To help, we've consulted an expert who has identified the most common food allergies in children and the key symptoms to watch for. 'The most common food allergens in children include milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts (e.g., almonds, cashews), sesame, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish,' says Helen Brough, professor in paediatric allergy and medical adviser to the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation. 1. Swelling 'Puffiness around the lips, face, or eyes can indicate an allergic reaction,' says Brough. 2. Hives or skin rash ' Red, itchy, raised spots can appear shortly after eating,' notes Brough. 3. Sneezing or nasal congestion 'Allergic rhinitis symptoms like a runny nose can also appear,' says Brough. 4. Itchy mouth or throat ' People may experience mild irritation [in the mouth or throat] after eating certain foods, like fresh fruits or nuts,' says Brough. 5. Stomach issues 'Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or stomach cramps may also occur,' adds Brough. 6. Breathing problems 'Coughing, wheezing, or trouble breathing could signal a serious reaction,' says Brough. 7. Dizziness or fainting 'In severe cases, a drop in blood pressure may cause weakness or collapse,' highlights Brough. 8. Delayed signs 'There are two types of food allergy – immediate (mediated by the IgE antibody) which cause the symptoms described above, and delayed (non-IgE mediated),' explains Brough. 'In delayed food allergy, more delayed, persistent signs can be present, like eczema, vomiting, stomach pains, loose or mucousy bowel motions.' An allergic reaction can last anywhere from a few minutes to several days, depending on the severity and type of reaction. 'IgE mediated reactions usually occur within minutes to two hours after eating the allergen,' explains Brough. 'Severe reactions, like anaphylaxis, can happen quickly, within 30 minutes. 'Delayed food allergic reactions can come on up to 72 hours after eating the food.' 'Parents can keep a food diary to track meals and symptoms,' says Brough. 'A paediatric allergy specialist can perform tests, such as a skin prick test or specialist allergy blood test, to identify specific food allergens. 'In some cases, an oral food challenge (where the child is given the food to eat under medical supervision) may be recommended.' What should parents do if their child is experiencing a serious allergic reaction? 'If the child has symptoms or signs of anaphylaxis (e.g., difficulty breathing, persistent cough, hoarse voice, swollen tongue, wheeze, suddenly sleepy, persistently dizzy or fainting), administer an adrenaline auto-injector (e.g., EpiPen or Jext) immediately and call 999 saying the word anaphylaxis,' advises Brough. If no auto-injector is available, call 999 immediately. 'Keep the child calm and lying down until help arrives but if they are having breathing difficulties they may be allowed to sit up,' adds Brough. 'If they are no better within 5 minutes, use their second adrenaline autoinjector. If there are no signs of life, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).'
The Independent
11-02-2025
- Health
- The Independent
8 signs of food allergies in children you might not know
A new initiative focused on increasing allergy awareness in schools has been given the royal seal of approval from King Charles III himself. The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation – founded in June 2019 following the tragic death of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, who died from eating sesame seeds that were baked into the dough of a baguette – created the Allergy School programme after discovering the majority of teachers had no allergy awareness training. The programme offers free, practical resources to help teachers, club leaders, and anyone who cares for children between three and 11 learn all about food allergies. It has been partially developed in collaboration with the King's Foundation, which was established by Charles. He said: 'I am delighted to hear of the launch of Allergy School, the new educational programme by the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation. 'Improving understanding of this issue is so important for keeping children with food allergies safe and ensuring they are able to participate fully in activities at school or in our wider communities.' Food allergies can vary from mild reactions to severe consequences. To help, we've consulted an expert who has identified the most common food allergies in children and the key symptoms to watch for. What are the most common food allergies in children? 'The most common food allergens in children include milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts (e.g., almonds, cashews), sesame, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish,' says Helen Brough, professor in paediatric allergy and medical adviser to the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation. What are some signs that might indicate a child has a food allergy? 1. Swelling 'Puffiness around the lips, face, or eyes can indicate an allergic reaction,' says Brough. 2. Hives or skin rash ' Red, itchy, raised spots can appear shortly after eating,' notes Brough. 3. Sneezing or nasal congestion 'Allergic rhinitis symptoms like a runny nose can also appear,' says Brough. 4. Itchy mouth or throat ' People may experience mild irritation [in the mouth or throat] after eating certain foods, like fresh fruits or nuts,' says Brough. 5. Stomach issues 'Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or stomach cramps may also occur,' adds Brough. 6. Breathing problems 'Coughing, wheezing, or trouble breathing could signal a serious reaction,' says Brough. 7. Dizziness or fainting 'In severe cases, a drop in blood pressure may cause weakness or collapse,' highlights Brough. 8. Delayed signs 'There are two types of food allergy – immediate (mediated by the IgE antibody) which cause the symptoms described above, and delayed (non-IgE mediated),' explains Brough. 'In delayed food allergy, more delayed, persistent signs can be present, like eczema, vomiting, stomach pains, loose or mucousy bowel motions.' How quickly do allergic reactions come on after consuming food? An allergic reaction can last anywhere from a few minutes to several days, depending on the severity and type of reaction. 'IgE mediated reactions usually occur within minutes to two hours after eating the allergen,' explains Brough. 'Severe reactions, like anaphylaxis, can happen quickly, within 30 minutes. 'Delayed food allergic reactions can come on up to 72 hours after eating the food.' How can parents find out which food their child is having allergic reactions to? 'Parents can keep a food diary to track meals and symptoms,' says Brough. 'A paediatric allergy specialist can perform tests, such as a skin prick test or specialist allergy blood test, to identify specific food allergens. 'In some cases, an oral food challenge (where the child is given the food to eat under medical supervision) may be recommended.' What should parents do if their child is experiencing a serious allergic reaction? 'If the child has symptoms or signs of anaphylaxis (e.g., difficulty breathing, persistent cough, hoarse voice, swollen tongue, wheeze, suddenly sleepy, persistently dizzy or fainting), administer an adrenaline auto-injector (e.g., EpiPen or Jext) immediately and call 999 saying the word anaphylaxis,' advises Brough. If no auto-injector is available, call 999 immediately. 'Keep the child calm and lying down until help arrives but if they are having breathing difficulties they may be allowed to sit up,' adds Brough. 'If they are no better within 5 minutes, use their second adrenaline autoinjector. If there are no signs of life, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).'
