Peanut allergy is one of the most common and also one of the most serious types of allergies, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It is especially tricky since many foods that are children's favorites contain peanuts including peanut butter, cookies, ice cream, cereals, granola, grain breads, nougat, salad dressings and candy. If you suspect your child is allergic to peanuts, contact your doctor immediately. Many allergies can have similar symptoms and having the correct diagnosis is essential for proper treatment and management of the condition.
Causes
Peanut allergy develops when your toddler's immune system mistakes the proteins in peanuts to something harmful. The cells of the immune system produce antibodies against peanut proteins as well as other chemicals, such as histamine, that trigger the symptoms of allergy. MayoClinic.com reports that it is not known why some toddlers develop peanut allergy and others don't.
Exposure
If your toddler's immune system has reacted to peanuts once, she can have an allergic reaction every time she gets into contact with the nut. Most commonly this happens when your child eats peanuts or foods that contains them. However, foods been exposed to peanuts during their preparation can containt trace amounts of peanut proteins in the food to cause a reaction. Your child can also have an allergic reaction if she breaths dust or aerosols containing peanuts.
Risk Factors
Children, especially infants and toddlers, have a higher risk of developing a peanut allergy because of their immature digestive system. However, once your child grows older, her digestive system matures and is less likely to react to peanuts, according to MayoClinic.com. Thus, some children will outgrow their peanut allergy, when others suffer from it throughout their life. Having a family history of allergies can increase your toddler's risk of developing peanut and other food allergies.
Anaphylaxis
Symptoms of peanut allergy usually occur within minutes of exposure, according to MayoClinic.com. Common symptoms include hives, itching of mouth and throat, diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, tightening of chest and shortness of breath. Peanut allergy can also cause an anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can be fatal unless treated with an epinephrine injection.
Prevention and Substitutes
The only way to prevent your child from having an allergic reaction is to avoid all foods that contain peanuts. Check food labels to make sure the product does not contain or is not made in a factory that handles peanuts. Use substitute foods when possible. For example, replace peanut butter with almond or sunflower butter, but only if your child is not allergic to tree nuts or seeds, in addition to peanuts. According to the AllergicChild.com, children with peanut allergy, have a 30 to 60 percent chance of developing a tree nut allergy as well. Replace candy with fresh berries and fruits and baked goods with peanut-free alternatives.
