Preschoolers and Peanut Allergies

Peanut allergies are very common in preschoolers and we’ve all seen the signs in public places and on food labels indicating the ominous presence of peanuts. Peanuts have become an increased topic in healthcare with the rise of peanut allergies. Find out the basics about peanut allergies and some handy tips for dealing with a preschooler peanut allergy.

What exactly is a Peanut Allergy?

In a perfect world, the immune system would only activate for things that attack the body and cause illness, as in the case of a scraped knee.

A food allergy is an abnormal immune response, where your body produces antibodies called IgE against foods your body sees as harmful, such as peanuts.

Statistics and Risk Factors

Approximately 3.3 million people are allergic to peanuts or tree nuts.

Food allergies are more common in children than adults, and are on the rise in America for unknown reasons. Some say that pregnant mothers who eat peanuts pass allergic peanut sensitivity to their baby in utero. Another theory is that our excessively germ-free society is causing increased immune sensitivity to things such as peanut products.

A family history of food or environmental allergies may make your preschooler more susceptible to developing a food allergy.

What Happens During a Peanut Allergy Reaction?

Allergic symptoms can vary greatly between people, from mild to severe. These include:

1. Anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction that can include airway constriction, swollen tongue or throat, and possible death). Peanut allergies account for about 80% of anaphylactic reactions each year.
2. Hives
3. Vomiting
4. Diarrhea
5. Breathing difficulties
6. Tingly mouth
7. Skin irritation
   

Can Peanut Allergies Be Cured?

Peanut allergies are not curable. Fortunately, studies suggest that 20 percent of children outgrow peanut allergy, especially if they had few allergies to begin with. Currently, avoiding peanut products is the best way to deal with peanut allergies.

Peanut Allergy Advice

1. If you suspect an allergy, have your child tested immediately, even if the symptoms are mild.
   
   
2. Read food labels!
   
   
3. Be aware that peanuts are part of the legume family which also includes lima beans and peas. Almonds, walnuts, cashews and pecans are part of a different class of foods called tree nuts.
   
   
4. There is a small possibility your preschooler may show allergic symptoms to other legumes. Additionally, doctors generally recommend avoiding tree nuts if you are allergic to peanuts.
   
   
5. Peanut oil is safe for most peanut allergy sufferers and many foods are cooked in peanut oil. Be sure to ask your doctor about eating products cooked in peanut oil.
   
   
6. Make your own stuff! There are many peanut-free recipes and alternatives now. (i.e., Soy Nut Butter, Peanut-free chocolate)
   
   
7. Repeatedly tell your preschooler that he/she can’t eat peanuts and discourage your preschooler from sharing food
   
   
8. Consider a warning necklace or bracelet indicating a peanut allergy
   
   
9. Have an Epi-Pen (epinephrine) available to you and all caretakers and educate those caretakers on the symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction
   
   
10. Have a written plan if a severe allergic reaction occurs and provide this to all caretakers.
    
    
11. Be aware that airplanes, baseball fields, restaurants, and ice cream shops are places where peanut products may be more prevalent.

By: Pia Chaparro

References:

1. Report of the Expert Panel on Food Allergy Research, June 30 and July 1, 2003, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease National Institutes of Health
Available from www3.niaid.nih.gov/about/organization/dait/PDF/june30_2003.pdf

2. Sicherer, SH, Sampson HA. “Peanut allergy: emerging concepts and approaches for an apparent epidemic.” Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 2007 Sept. Retrieved 11 Nov 2007.

3. CDC. Allergic conditions among children: US, 2000-2005 (Source: NHIS) Available from http://209.217.72.34/HDAA/TableViewer/tableView.aspx?ReportId=205

4. The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network. Available from www.foodallergyalliance.com