Researchers are closer than ever to finding a cure for peanut allergies (过敏), with multiple treatment trials underway at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Adelaide, Australia.
One in 30 children across the country has a known peanut allergy. Dr Patrick Quinn of Women’s and Children’s Hospital said it’s “the highest published rate of food allergies in the world”.
One trial tests the success rate of patches (片) worn by four to seven year olds, while the other examines the success of immunotherapy injections (注射免疫治疗) on four to 11-year-olds. “We don’t really know whether this is a cure or whether those patients are just temporarily able to eat peanuts,” Dr Quinn said.
Zeppelin Smith, who is taking part in the trials, was two when he experienced a severe allergic reaction after consuming foods containing peanuts. “I got quite scared and nervous,” he said. His mother Calli said his physical reaction to the nuts was immediate. “He straight away got some hives (荨麻疹) and his lips were quite swollen.”
About 18 months later, Zeppelin’s parents enrolled him in a trial at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. Under the trial, Zeppelin wears special patches placed on his skin to treat the allergy – allowing him to consume peanuts. “I feel happy because I don’t like being sick or unwell,” Zeppelin said.
Peanut allergy is one of the most common allergies in children and although the allergy may improve with time for some, for others it will become worse. People who are allergic to peanuts will not necessarily be allergic to tree nuts or seeds.
Symptoms of peanut, tree nut or seed allergies vary and range from milder reactions to anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. Nut allergy symptoms could also include raised red bumps on the skin (hives), runny nose, cramps, nausea or vomiting. The best way to manage peanut, tree nut and seed allergies is to avoid all products containing these foods.
Food allergies can be life threatening and peanuts, tree nuts and seeds are some of the most common food causes for life-threatening severe allergic reactions.
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1.How does Dr Quinn like the method?
A It can deal with peanut allergies successfully.
B It only works for children aged four to seven.
C It can make severe reactions to milder ones.
D More trails are still needed to make it perfect.
解析：选D。D 推理判断题。根据第三段的“We don’t really know whether this is a cure or whether those patients are just temporarily able to eat peanuts”我们真的不知道这是一种治愈方法，还是这些病人只是暂时可以吃花生，可知，奎恩博士认为，这种方法仍有待检测以至完美。故选D。
2.Zeppelin Smith ___________.
A had a serious car accident
B was fearful for peanuts
C had a stomachache at age three
D underwent an injection trail
解析：选B。B 细节理解题。根据第四段“I got quite scared and nervous”可知，齐柏林两岁时出现严重的花生过敏，当时他非常紧张和害怕，因此他会害怕花生。故选B。
3.According to the author, peanut allergy __________.
A may lead to headache
B can not be avoided
C can be life-threatening
D is common in adults
解析：选C。C 细节理解题。根据最后一段内容可知，食物过敏可能会危及生命，花生、坚果和种子是最常见的导致危及生命的严重过敏反应的食物。故选C。
4.What’s the best title of the passage?
A Trials To Protect Kids With Peanut Allergies
B Researchers Find a Cure For Children With Allergies
C Sings Of Peanut, Tree Nut Or Seed Allergies
D Stomach Bacteria Could Help Control Allergies
解析：选A。A 主旨大意题。根据全文内容可知，文章主要介绍了研究人员正在进行试验，可能会对花生过敏的儿童产生作用。故选A。
