Parents of children with peanut allergies know well the fear of unknown food. Peanut allergies force sufferers to carefully inspect food labels and possibly restrict their restaurant patronage. Peanut butter is a refined peanut product, and must be avoided by anyone with an allergy to peanuts. Reactions range from mild to life-threatening, and appear to be most common among children.
Allergic Reactions
Peanut allergy is one of the more common food allergies, especially in children. It is also one of the leading causes of anaphylactic shock, a severe, systemic reaction that can lead to death if not treated immediately. In simple terms, an allergic reaction is the result of an overactive immune response to an otherwise harmless substance. Symptoms of a mild reaction to peanut butter may include hives around the mouth or other parts of the body, nausea and vomiting. A severe reaction results in constricted airways and potentially loss of consciousness. These reactions, known as anaphylaxis, must be treated immediately.
Casual Contact
A study performed at Mount Sinai School of Medicine determined that skin contact or inhalation of peanut fumes is unlikely to trigger an allergic reaction. Subjects with peanut allergies had a small amount of peanut butter pressed against the skin or held near the nose for a specific amount of time. A control group underwent the same procedure, but their substances did not include peanut butter. In keeping with good experimental design, subjects did not know whether they were in the experimental or control group. While some test subjects did experience skin reactions to the peanut butter, none of them has systemic or respiratory reactions.
Consumption
If an individual has a known allergy to peanuts, then naturally peanut butter should never be an ingredient in his or her diet. If somehow an allergic individual does consume peanut butter, the first symptom will likely be hives and swelling about the mouth. Stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting may follow soon thereafter. Wheezing and shortness of breath are signs that the person is suffering a severe reaction and needs medical attention as soon as possible.
Precautionary Measures
In persons with severe reactions to peanuts, the best defense is to avoid all foods that contain peanuts, including peanut butter. Food label regulations require that manufacturers advertise the presence of nuts or nut byproducts. Even foods that contain no peanuts, but were processed in a facility that also handles peanuts, should be carefully avoided. Peanut oils are theoretically safe, but the risk is probably not worth taking. In the case of exposure, over-the-counter antihistamines are effective in treating minor reactions. For those with more serious reactions, a shot of epinephrine may be necessary.
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