Abstract: . . .  we don’t want sym- pathy; we want people to be educated and to treat our kids like any other kids.” o For more information on Duke clinical studies related to food allergy, particularly peanut, egg, and milk, in both children and adults, please call 919-668-1333 or e-mail foodallergy@mc.duke.edu. “ Food allergies are real, and people with them should be treated no differently than somebody with diabetes or heart disease.” —Theresa Nguyen ALLERGIC  . . .
. . .  testing a desensitization therapy that involves giving patients tiny amounts of egg or peanut protein orally in an attempt to gradually desensitize their immune systems. “So far the therapy has been surprisingly well accepted by the families, and the kids are having really minimal symptoms,” says Burks. “Even those in the trial who have had accidental ingestions to, say, egg, haven’t had reactions to it.” According to Burks, while initial protein doses are the equivalent of about a hundredth of a peanut, after three months, patients can consume an entire peanut each day, as part of the treatment. “We know we’re changing their immune system in some . . .
. . .  preparation for allergic attacks will always be part of the arsenal against the disorder. Still, says Burks, “I think that in five years we’ll have combinations of treat- ments that will prove effective. And they will be applied according to the indi- vidual patient’s needs. What we may do earlier in life, versus for an adult, may be quite different.” For Nguyen, on the front lines with her children, changing attitudes is also critical—among physicians, school administrators, and managers of any public facilities. “ Food allergies are real, and people with them should be treated no differently than somebody with diabetes or heart disease,” . . .
. . .  market. Both Burks and Furlong, however, cau- tion that there will be no magic bullet against food allergies . Immunotherapies, drug therapies, vigilance against aller- gens, and preparation for allergic attacks will always be part of the arsenal against the disorder. Still, says Burks, “I think that in five years we’ll have combinations of treat- ments that will prove effective. And they will be applied according to the indi- vidual patient’s needs. What we may do earlier in life, versus for an adult, may be quite different.” For Nguyen, on the front lines with her children, changing attitudes is also critical—among physicians, school administrators, . . .
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