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Interview with a paediatric allergist: Dr. Morel

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What are the first signs that a child might have a food allergy and when and where should parents seek testing? Early signs of food allergies in infants   According to Dr. Morel, paediatric allergist at the CHL Kannerklinik in Luxembourg, one of the earliest signs that may indicate a food allergy in infants is  moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (eczema)  that does not improve despite regular use of moisturising creams.   Other possible warning signs include  digestive symptoms , such as repeated vomiting, feeding difficulties, excessive crying, or poor sleep. Parents should also pay attention to  changes in their baby’s behaviour , as discomfort or pain may present in subtle ways.   Which children are at higher risk?   Some infants have a higher risk of developing  IgE-mediated food allergies .  (IgE allergies are “immediate” allergies caused by the immune system producing IgE antibodies, which can lead to quick reactions such as hive...
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Allergen Introduction in Everyday Life: a Parent’s Story

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In this interview, Lynn, mum of 3.5-year-old Julia and a member of the Luxembourg Allergy Network (LAN), shares her family’s journey with early allergen introduction and immunotherapy.   Can you briefly tell us your daughter’s allergy story? Julia was fully breastfed for the first six months of her life and started solids at around 6.5 months. When she was nine months old, she tried omelette for the first time. She sucked on it, and I noticed a rash on her neck. Because she was wearing a new plastic bib, I initially thought it was a reaction to the plastic. On Julia’s first birthday, I prepared noodles with boiled egg. This time, she immediately developed a rash all over her body, her eyes became swollen, and she vomited. That’s when I made the connection to egg. We consulted our paediatrician, who carried out a blood test. The results came back positive for egg and all tree nuts, and we were given an emergency medication kit. Later, we saw a specialist who carried out further test...
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The Unseen Epidemic - Radio Latina

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Navigating the Life-and-Death Reality of Severe Allergies in Luxembourg English translation of radio interview with Pedro Barata from LAN on Radio Latina on 24.10.2025 presented by João Santos Gomes Podcast in Portuguese: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/ana-cristina-gonalves7/episodes/Luxembourg-Allergy-Network-T3-E6-e3a5g13 As  spring blossoms into summer, the great outdoors beckons, but for many, this seasonal shift is marked by more than just the pleasant warmth of the sun. It heralds the onset of sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny noses. Yet, for a growing and often invisible segment of our community, the threat is far more severe. A single bite of food, a stray insect sting, or a common medication can trigger not merely discomfort, but a full-blown medical catastrophe. Understanding the chasm between a common intolerance and a severe allergic reaction is becoming a critical piece of public knowledge - a distinction that can literally mean the difference between life and...
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Luxembourg Allergy Network asbl Celebrates 10 Years of Advocacy and Community Support

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Luxembourg Allergy Network asbl (LAN) proudly celebrated its 10th anniversary on Tuesday, 13 May 2025, marking a decade of unwavering commitment to supporting individuals and families affected by severe food allergies in Luxembourg.   This milestone event brought together members, healthcare professionals, and partners to reflect on ten years of impactful advocacy, education, and community-building aimed at creating a safer and more inclusive environment for those living with food allergies.   The evening featured a series of insightful presentations.  LAN representatives shared the organisation’s journey and the lived experiences of patients, highlighting the emotional and practical challenges faced by the allergy community.   Dr. Françoise Morel, pediatric allergist at the Kannerklinik, CHL, provided an insightful update on the current state of childhood food allergies in 2025. She presented recent data on allergy epidemiology across Europe, with a particular focus...
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