Peanut Allergy
By Donna Stone

Caleb is four years old. He likes playing with legos and matchbox cars, Winnie-the-Pooh and collecting bugs of all sorts. When you see him laughing and playing he looks just like any other little boy.

The only difference between this child and his playmates is that Caleb has a life threatening condition. He cannot go to the neighborhood park or to see a movie without endangering his life because Caleb has severe peanut allergy.

Severe allergies cause what is known as anaphylaxix, a reaction that involves more than one body system. Eyes, face and throat swell, blood pressure drops, hives appear, and in the most severe reaction heart failure or suffocation occurs. Some individuals are so sensitive that invisible residue left on surfaces can be absorbed through skin contact and cause an allergic reaction. Inhaling the odor or dust particles present in the air can also be trigger.

The American Academy of Asthma Allergy and Immunology estimates that at least 100 Americans die each year from food allergies. Some of the most common offenders are eggs, peanuts, nuts, milk, and wheat, with peanuts usually causing the most severe type of allergy. There is no treatment other than strict avoidance.

Simply reading food labels is not enough, because trace amounts of the allergen can end up in non-peanut containing products. For example, vanilla ice cream may be manufactured on the same machinery that was previously used to produce a nut containing flavor. Manufacturers are not legally required to label trace ingredients, and sometimes label them under a vague listing such as ‘flavorings’. Recently, however, some manufacturers have voluntarily begun to label products "May contain peanut traces", and most are more than happy to provide ingredient information if you call.

The severity of previous reactions is not a reliable indicator of future ones. Peanut allergy is particularly dangerous. Just because at the first introduction of peanuts a child "only had hives" does not mean the next exposure will not be fatal. While some food allergies do not outlast childhood, peanut allergy is rarely outgrown and considered to be a lifelong allergy. Many people with food allergies don’t realize how serious their allergy can be and even when the allergic person does understand, convincing family members about the severity of a reaction is a common problem.

To be prepared allergic individuals should always carry an epi-pen, an auto injectable dose of adrenaline that will buy enough time to seek emergency treatment. Proper treatment is imperative and persons responsible for the care of severely allergic children must know what to do should the worst happen. As the number of children diagnosed has been increasing, many schools and daycares are adopting a "no peanut policy" or a "peanut free zone" in an effort to keep the children safe.

What about Caleb? He knows he has a life threatening condition and has been taught not to eat or touch any food unless mom or dad gives it to him. Caleb says," I don’t go to my friend’s house if they have been eating peanutbutter. I don’t want to get sick."

Introducing Peanuts to Your Child’s Diet

Some doctors suggest waiting until a child is at least 3 years of age to introduce peanut containing products. To introduce peanuts to your child’s diet, first dab a small amount of peanutbutter on your child’s skin. Wipe off and observe for any redness or rash. Wait until the next day and place a small amount of peanutbutter on the child’s cheek and watch for signs of redness or rash. The next day, follow the same procedure placing the peanutbutter on the child’s lips. Finally, on the fourth day let the child ingest a small amount. If at any time a rash appears, give benedryl and seek the advice of a pediatric allergist. If at any time hives, wheezing, lethargy, or difficulty breathing occurs, give benedryl and go immediately to the nearest emergency room.

For more information

PeanutAllergy.Com is an organization exclusively addressing peanut allergy.  http://www.peanutallergy.com/

PeanutAllergy.Com
15 Leavitt St. 
Long Island ME 04050
207-766-5292

Chris@PeanutAllergy.Com

The Food Allergy Network- FAN- offers educational materials and information on food allergies.

The Food Allergy Network
10400 Eaton Place Suite 107
Fairfax, VA 22030-2208
(703) 691-3179

http://www.foodallergy.org

To find local allergy support groups in your area of the U.S. contact Nancy Sanker at the Allergy Asthma Foundation ( 970)221-9165 email aafasupgr@aol.com

Donna Stone is a freelance writer and has regularly written health features for Bella Online Magazine. She has had articles on parenting related issues published as well as other pieces for various publications.

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