Allergies on the rise with hospital admissions doubling

Hospital admissions for food allergies have doubled in the past 12 years, sparking calls for greater education on the issue.

The alarming statistics show allergies are continuing to rise, with two children in every classroom now at risk of life-threatening reactions to various products.

Raymond Mullins from the University of Canberra conducted the research and said the issue was worrying.

"The most common people affected are young babies and children aged zero to four years," he told The TODAY Show.

However, a new generation of teenagers are also suffering with nut allergies and other forms of food allergies.

He said more than 4000 people were admitted to hospital with food reactions a couple of years ago - and that number had only risen since then.

"Education is the key," he said.

"Education of parents, education of children as they get older."

He also called for greater education of paediatricians, nurses and other healthcare professionals who dealt with children.