Our strategy has been shown to hugely reduce the number of reactions, and also the severity

Dr Pamela Ewan, Addenbrooke's Hospital

Around one in 100,000 people have severe reactions to nuts in Britain, but it is thought that up to one in 200 children suffer a reaction of some sort when they eat food containing nuts.

The reason why nut allergy is becoming more common is unclear, but one theory is that it is linked to the use of peanut butter as a weaning food.

However, many sufferers do not receive good advice, and some only realise they are allergic when it is almost too late.

The programme has been developed by scientists at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge.

It is designed to train sufferers to be far more aware of the dangers they face.

Avoiding nuts

The Addenbrooke's programme is based around teaching people to avoid eating the wrong foods - this might appear obvious but can be very difficult to do, especially for children.

Many products contain traces of nuts that are not always highlighted on the label. Eating out can also be potentially hazardous.

Patients are also encouraged to carry medication at all times so that they can start self-treatment if they do get a reaction.

Speedy treatment is important because reactions can become severe very fast, and there is not always time to get to hospital.

Controlled experiments

The researchers conducted a controlled experiment with 567 patients who suffer from the allergy to varying degrees.

After taking part in the programme, only 15% still suffered an allergic reaction - and almost all of them were mild.

Researcher Dr Pamela Ewan said: "If people just try to avoid nuts on their own they keep getting more reactions.

"Our strategy has been shown to hugely reduce the number of reactions, and also the severity."

The Addenbrooke's team has been promoting its programme through a series of school visits, seminars and awareness programmes.