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Peanut Allergies

Peanut Allergies Peanut allergies are very common and often, but not always, appear in the first few years of life. Although many children outgrow allergies to foods like eggs or milk, most kids don't outgrow peanut allergies. An allergic peanut reaction can range from minor to life-threatening. It's important to know that even those who have experienced a mild reaction in the past can be at risk of a more serious reaction, such as anaphylaxis, in the future.

If you or your child experience a reaction to peanuts, no matter how minor, it's important to share this information with your doctor. Tests can help confirm an allergy so you can take necessary steps to avoid a reaction in the future.

Symptoms

An allergic reaction to peanuts typically occurs within minutes of exposure. Signs and symptoms range from mild stomach or skin reactions to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that occurs rapidly and causes a life-threatening response involving the whole body. In some reactions, the symptoms may go away and return within several hours. This is what's called a biphasic reaction, and symptoms often occur in the respiratory tract and may be more severe. It's estimated that biphasic reactions occur in about 20 percent of anaphylactic reactions.

Common signs and symptoms of a peanut allergy reaction can include:
  • Hives, redness or swelling on the skin
  • Itching or tingling in and/or around the mouth and throat
  • Diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting
  • Chest tightening
  • Shortness of breath or wheezing
  • Runny or stuffy nose

Anaphylaxis Symptoms

Peanut allergy is the most common cause of anaphylaxis, a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention. Signs and symptoms start soon after consuming peanuts and can include:
  • Constriction of airways
  • Shock, with a severe drop in blood pressure
  • Rapid pulse
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness and/or loss of consciousness
Exposure to peanuts can occur in three ways:
  • Direct contact: Consuming peanuts or peanut-containing foods. Sometimes direct skin contact with peanuts can trigger an allergic reaction.
  • Cross-contact: Generally the result of exposure to peanuts during processing or handling of a food product.
  • Inhalation: An allergic reaction may occur after inhaling dust or aerosols that contain peanuts, such as peanut flour or peanut oil spray.

Risk Factors

People with certain risk factors have a greater chance of developing a peanut allergy:
  • Family members with allergies. If other allergies, especially food allergies, are common in your family, you may be at risk.
  • Past peanut allergy. Approximately one in five children outgrow peanut allergies but remain at risk for recurrance.

Prevention

The best way to prevent an allergic reaction to peanuts is to know and avoid foods that cause signs and symptoms.

If you know you have peanut allergy, follow these steps:
  • Read food labels and avoid foods that may have come in contact with peanuts.
  • If you've already had a severe reaction to peanuts, wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace.
  • Talk with your doctor about carrying emergency medications.

More Information

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Take steps to keep your child safe

Epi Pen
Talk to your doctor if you think you or a family member are allergic to peanuts or if you think you are at risk. He or she may conduct tests and may recommend that you carry injectable epinephrine (EpiPen, Twinject) with you at all times.

Notify child care providers, school personnel, parents of your child's friends, and other adults who regularly interact with your child that your child has peanut allergy and educate them about signs and symptoms.

Emphasize that an allergic reaction can be life-threatening and requires immediate action. Make sure that your child also knows to ask for help right away if he or she experiences an allergic reaction.

Make sure your child's epinephrine autoinjector is always available and current. Expired epinephrine may not be effective.

Write an action plan. Your plan should describe how to care for your child when he or she has an allergic reaction to peanuts. Provide a copy of the plan to your child's school and to others who care for and supervise your child.

Have your child wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace.

Discourage your child from sharing foods.

More Information

For more information about peanut and other food allergies, visit the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology's resource page.

For free games and activities to help educate your child about food safety, visit FoodSafety.gov.

Note: The information on this Web site is provided as general health guidelines and may not be applicable to your particular health condition. Your individual health status and any required medical treatments can only be properly addressed by a professional healthcare provider of your choice. Remember: There is no adequate substitution for a personal consultation with your physician. Neither Texoma Medical Center, or any of their affiliates, nor any contributors shall have any liability for the content or any errors or omissions in the information provided by this Web site.
 
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