Peanut Allergies in Children Require Vigilance

Peanuts Often a Hidden Ingredient in Convenience Foods & Snacks

Oct 22, 2008

Peanut allergies often show up in childhood and can last a lifetime. Convenience snacks, restaurants and parties are sources of foods that contain this common allergen.

Peanut allergy is a common malady that often appears at a young age. The allergy, which has symptoms that range from mild to severe, is often a childhood allergy. Unlike allergies that children may outgrow, such as to milk and eggs, children do not outgrow allergies to peanuts. While it may be easy to avoid eating peanuts and peanut butter, the food is often a hidden ingredient in common foods, making it difficult to avoid.

Children can potentially be exposed to peanuts anywhere there is food. Parents are challenged with educating their children about the dangers of eating peanuts and foods of unknown origins. The purpose of educating the child is not to scare them, rather to impress upon them that they will feel better and be more healthy overall if they avoid substances that make them sick.

Symptoms of Peanut Allergy

Symptoms usually occur within minutes of exposure, according the Mayo Clinic website.

Anaphylaxis is a severe reaction that requires immediate treatment with epinephrine and a visit to the emergency room. Anaphylaxis symptoms include airway constriction, swollen throat, difficulty breathing, shock, rapid pulse, dizziness, lightheadedness or loss of consciousness.

Visit an Allergist for Diagnosis

When a peanut allergy is suspected, as with any allergy, a visit to a board certified allergist is in order. The doctor can conduct the proper diagnostic tests and recommend medications, such as antihistamines.

It is a good idea to have a doctor's diagnosis, in the event that someone questions the statement that the child is allergic. The statement that the doctor has instructed that the child not eat peanuts has authority.

Avoid Foods Containing Peanuts

Peanuts are difficult to avoid, because they are contained as ingredients in unsuspected sources. Some peanut sources are obvious, but other sources are hidden.

People can be exposed to peanuts by eating foods that contain peanuts, eating foods that have had contact with peanuts during handling and by inhaling dust or aerosol sprays that contain peanuts or peanut oil.

Unfortunately, convenience foods are often likely to contain peanuts. Chips, nuts and bakery items may contain peanuts or may have been processed on the same lines as foods containing peanuts.

Educate Children with Allergies

Parents with allergic children should discuss their allergy with them, explaining the signs and symptoms of a reaction.

Children should be cautioned to not share food with other children. This is easily forgotten during times of fun, such as at a Halloween party, Christmas party or birthday party. Impress the importance of not eating unknown foods to the child.

It is difficult for parents to monitor everything that the child comes into contact with, especially as they get older and spend more time away from home. Parents should teach the child to monitor their own intake and avoid peanuts and unknown foods that may contain peanut particles.

Keep the Larder Stocked with Safe Foods

People of all ages are less likely to make dietary mistakes when they have safe foods readily available. When hunger pangs strike, it is all to easy to grab quick and easy convenience foods. Allergic people can thrive on a healthy diet of food cooked from scratch, using fruits, vegetables, meats, poultry and dairy. Healthy snacks may include cut up carrots, peppers, celery and apples.

Alert Adults of Peanut Allergy

Parents should alert teachers, caregivers and the parents of friends that the child has a peanut allergy. A medical alert bracelet, with the child's name and emergency instructions is recommended.

Information in this article is not intended as medical advice. Contact a physician for additional information about medical conditions.

The copyright of the article Peanut Allergies in Children Require Vigilance in Food Allergies is owned by Christine Nyholm. Permission to republish Peanut Allergies in Children Require Vigilance in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.