How To Live with an Allergy to Peanuts

The allergy to peanuts has an incidence rate among adults and children of around 1%. Its cause is unknown, but many professionals consider it hereditary. Therefore, if parents suffer from food allergies, their children are at higher risk. The peanut allergy is an immune response to several (at least seven) peanut proteins resulting in the excessive release of histamine, which may affect breathing, cause abdominal pain, vomiting, hives, or swelling. In a worst case scenario, the allergic reaction may lead to anaphylactic shock and unconsciousness requiring immediate treatment with an injection of epinephrine (Epi-Pen) and an oral antihistamine (liquid diphenhydramine).

When an infant is diagnosed, living with the peanut allergy falls initially upon the parents. They should eliminate all peanut products from the child's diet, if not from the home. The child (when old enough to understand), relatives, friends, care providers, and eventually, school teachers and officials should be made aware of the child's peanut allergy. Most school systems are well aware of the dangers of peanut allergies and now provide peanut-free facilities

Next, an educational process is vital to ensure that the child, as he/she grows older and into adulthood, understands how to live with their peanut allergy, avoiding all forms of peanuts, peanut particles, and/or oils. In the store, the best way to be sure a food is peanut-free is to read the label. As of January 1, 2006, Federal Law requires labels disclose all allergens even if they are in the spices or flavorings. The labels must also be understandable to a 7 year old.

When eating outside the home, people allergic to peanuts must always be extremely cautious. Of course, African and Asian (especially Thai and Indian) foods often contain peanuts. Mexican and Mediterranean dishes may use peanuts or peanut butter to thicken chilies or sauces, so the risk of cross-contamination is high. Tell everyone who handles the food you eat, from relatives and friends (social gatherings with food) to restaurant staff, that you have a peanut allergy. If the manager or owner of a restaurant is uncomfortable with your allergy, don't eat there. Some of the highest-risk over the counter foods for people with a peanut allergy include homemade baked goods and candies, often because of cross-contamination. Cross-contamination is also common in ice cream parlors because of shared scoops.

Finally, keep rescue medications (such as an Epi-Pen) accessible at all times in a pocket, purse, or book bag that's always with you, and wear a medical ID bracelet that indicates your peanut allergy.