Pediatrics, the official journal of the Academy of Pediatrics, published a report today in it's July 2011 issue entitled: "The Prevalence, Severity and Distribution of Childhood Food Allergy in the United States" which states that 8 percent of American children suffer from food allergies, more than previous thought, and more than ever before. Nearly 40 percent of American children have a history of severe reactions.

5.9 million American children suffer from food allergies and a quarter of those have peanut allergies, over 21 percent have milk allergies and about 17 percent suffer from allergies to shellfish. 30.4 percent of children, nearly a third, have multiple food allergies.

Asian and African American kids are more likely than white children to have food allergies, while children from higher income families are more likely to have allergies than those from lower income families. However the report also concludes that the data infers a disparity in the clinical diagnosis of the disease.

If your niece or nephew is one of the millions of kids who suffers from peanut allergies, here's a look at some ways to help them cope, especially while away at camp this summer.

Published: June 20, 2011