1. Cracking the Peanut Allergy Code
Peanuts are the most common cause of life-threatening allergic reactions in the United States. Each year, peanut allergies cause 80 percent of all fatal or near-fatal allergic reactions. Some people experience allergic reactions not only from eating peanuts, but also from simple exposure to peanuts. Allergic reactions can result from direct contact (eating peanuts or touching someone who's had direct contact with peanuts), cross-contact (when foods come into contact with peanuts during processing or handling) or simply from inhaling dust or aerosols from peanut flour or peanut cooking spray.
2. Take Quick Action for an Allergic Reaction
Serious allergic reactions typically occur within minutes of contact, although mild reactions can take an hour or more to materialize. Take care to recognize symptoms immediately. Itching, swelling, redness or hives, wheezing, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting are all signs of an allergic reaction. The most serious reaction is anaphylaxis, which occurs when a person's breathing, heart and blood pressure are endangered and lead to a loss of consciousness. Anaphylaxis is sometimes fatal, so quick action is critical.
3. Allergists Make the Best Diagnoses
If you think you or your child has a peanut allergy, see an allergy specialist to receive an accurate diagnosis. The allergist will conduct a test by making little scratches on your skin using the allergenic food. The test doesn't hurt, and feels similar to a little pinch. If you have a reaction to the test, you will see a raised, reddish spot. This spot tells your doctor you are allergic to the tiny amount of the food scratched into your skin.
4. Prevention is a Life Saver
The most obvious way to prevent a peanut allergic reaction is to steer clear of foods containing peanuts, such as peanut butter, peanut oil, candy with nuts and energy or sports bars. There are also less obvious foods to avoid, including baked goods (cookies and cakes), certain Asian foods, pesto, praline, nougat, marzipan, many cereals and some salad dressings. It's important to read labels vigilantly. Alert your family, friends, school teachers and coaches about the allergy, and don't forget to tell your restaurant server, so he can recommend peanut-free foods. It's also a good idea for your child to bring her own safe snacks and carry a list of off-limit foods in her backpack.
5. Make an Emergency Plan and Stick to It
Have an emergency plan in place to keep yourself calm should a severe reaction occur. If you or your child suffers from severe reactions, carry a portable shot of epinephrine at all times. You may also want to keep a shot with your the nurse at your child's school so they know what to do in the event of a reaction. Once injected, you must get to the hospital immediately for observation.
