1. Use Over-The-Counter Antihistamines
Antihistamines are available at any drug store, and you can take them immediately upon suffering an allergic reaction. They will help blunt the worst of the symptoms by reducing the itching and swelling, controlling the nausea and keeping your air passages open. Having them on hand means that you can start to treat the peanut allergy immediately, which can mean the difference between life and death. You will likely need to take them for at least a few days after the initial allergic reaction. Consult with your doctor, who can suggest how long you should remain on the antihistamines and prescribe stronger medication if he thinks it's warranted.
2. Ask Your Doctor About an Epinephrine Shot
Peanut allergies are usually fairly mild compared to other food allergies, but in some cases, they can be extremely dangerous. You can use epinephrine (adrenaline) in the case of a severe attack, when your body goes into anaphylactic shock and the allergic reaction becomes life-threatening. The drug is available by prescription and comes with a self injector. You should know how to use it and make sure that friends and family members can administer it if you become incapacitated. Hospitals and emergency rooms can give you an epinephrine shot as well, but time is of the essence if your allergic reaction is that bad. If someone near you can administer it immediately, it might save your life.
3. Think About Asthma Medication
In some cases, peanut allergies can close the air passages and lead to symptoms similar to asthma. After the threat of anaphylactic shock, this is the biggest concern with an allergic reaction. If you can't get air, you might suffocate before the symptoms can be treated. You can use bronchilators and other forms of asthma medication to open up your air passages during an allergic reaction. Your doctor can prescribe some if she feels they would help you. You can administer them through an inhaler, and they're also available in oral and liquid forms. Like antihistamines and epinephrine, you can take asthma medication everywhere you go and use it at the first sign of a reaction.
4. Avoid Any Products With Peanuts in Them
There is no real cure for peanut allergies, which means the best course of action is to avoid them whenever possible. However, it's not as easy as just staying away from peanuts and any products with peanuts in them, like cookies and peanut butter. Peanut oil is used in a number of different products, and certain cosmetics and ointments contain peanuts as well. Check the labels of any products you use for peanut oil and stay away from foods that may have been cooked with it. Take special care with homemade cakes, cookies and pastries--they often include peanut oil, and the baker might not know about your allergies.
