Posts

Image
From Lab to Life: Advancing Allergy Research in Luxembourg Dr. Annette Kuehn, Principal Investigator and Group Leader for Molecular and Translational Allergology at the  Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH) , Department of Infection and Immunity, tells us  about the latest advances in allergy research and how they are shaping safer, more personalised care for families living with food allergies. Can you explain what “Molecular and Translational Allergology” means in everyday language?   Our group name reflects our research approach.  “Molecular” describes  what  we study. We look at tiny building blocks such as antibodies, proteins, and cells. “Translational” explains  why  we do this work. We want our findings to lead to better care for patients. “Allergology” shows  which medical field  we  focus  on . We apply our approach to understanding and improving the science of allergies.   Why is allergy research important for f...
Post a Comment
Read more

Interview with a paediatric allergist: Dr. Morel

Image
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...
Post a Comment
Read more

Allergen Introduction in Everyday Life: a Parent’s Story

Image
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...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Unseen Epidemic - Radio Latina

Image
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...
Post a Comment
Read more