Peanut allergies are mostly found in young children and could lead to severe allergic reactions if consumed. If your child has been diagnosed with a peanut allergy, eating even a small amount of peanut proteins can trigger a life-threatening reaction. The Food Allergy Initiative states that a peanut allergy is one of the most dangerous food allergies because it commonly leads to anaphylaxis, an extreme reaction. Certain candies for kids have a greater chance of containing peanuts. Talk with your doctor and registered dietician for suggestions of what candy to eat.
Background
Peanut allergies are caused by a hypersensitivity to the proteins found in the peanut. Your child's immune system mistakes the peanut proteins as harmful and unleashes an attack against them. Peanuts are commonly coupled with tree nuts because of similar appearance but are from a different family of foods. Peanuts are a legume, along with lentils, peas and beans, while tree nuts examples are almonds, walnuts and pecans. Some children who are allergic to peanuts may also be allergic to tree nuts.
Common Candy
The most common candy that possibly contains peanuts is chocolates. Chocolate bars may contain whole peanuts, peanut pieces or peanut powder. Read the label carefully before providing your child with a chocolate bar. Candies that contain peanut protein, peanut butter or any form of nuts will most likely cause an allergic reaction. Most mixed nuts contain peanuts or peanut by-products that could trigger an allergic reaction. Candy that is most likely peanut-free is hard candies, lollipops and gummy candies. If the candy contains peanuts or is made at a facility that processes peanuts, it is required by law to place an allergy warning on the products label.
What to Look For
If you child accidentally eats candy that contains peanut proteins, certain signs and symptoms will indicate an allergic reaction is occurring. Common concerning symptoms of a peanut allergy include facial swelling, diarrhea, vomiting, asthma, the inability to breathe, hives, skin rashes, pale skin and wheezing, according to Kids Health. If you notice these symptoms developing, call 911 and administer an injection of epinephrine.
Preparations
If you're child is diagnosed with a severe peanut allergy, her pediatrician will prescribe an epinephrine pen. This medication will need to be injected into your child at the first signs of an allergic reaction to peanuts. Discuss your child's allergy with his teachers, care takers and friends. MayoClinic.com recommends that your child wears a medical bracelet to assist medical professionals in case of an emergency.
