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Peanut Allergy Facts
*In the United States, about 5% of children younger than 3
years and 1.5% of the general population experience food
allergies.
* Ninety percent of food allergies are caused by eight
foods: milk, eggs, wheat, peanuts, soy, tree nuts, fish and
shellfish. The allergies are caused by the proteins in these
foods.
*Peanut Allergy represents 28% of the food allergies and
occurs under 1 year of age in 46% of cases, under 15 years
of age in 93%.
*Peanut allergy is one of the most common, serious and
potential deadly food allergies. Even the smell of peanuts
or contact with someone else who has eaten peanuts can cause
a reaction in some people. People with peanut allergies have
reported serious reactions after minimal contact, even
through intact skin.
*Symptoms of an allergic reaction to food can include
swelling of the tongue and throat, tingling sensation in the
mouth, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing,
drooling, wheezing, choking, coughing, voice change,
sneezing, itchiness, hives, stomach cramps, vomiting,
diarrhea, drop in blood pressure, pallor, dizziness, and
loss of consciousness.
*As many as one-third of peanut-allergy sufferers have
severe reactions, such as swelling, difficulty breathing,
heart failure, or death. Reactions can happen quickly, and
in extreme cases can cause death within minutes.
*About 125 people die each year from food allergies,
mostly peanut allergy (I don't know if this is just in the
U.S. or worldwide.)
*Currently, there is no cure for peanut allergy. The only
solution is to strictly avoid peanut and peanut derived
ingredients. This is not an easy task, as peanuts are often
used as a hidden ingredient in food preparation and food
labels don't adequately indicate if peanuts are included or
not.
Dealing with Peanut Allergy
*If your child is allergic to peanuts, teach her to avoid
peanuts and any food that contains peanuts or a peanut
derivative.
*Make sure the allergic child has epinephrine within easy
reach at all times, and that he knows how and when to use
it. Be aware that immediate hospital follow up is necessary
after an attack, even if the epinephrine stops it. (Be sure
to get your doctor's approval and advice about the necessity
and use of epinephrine.)
*Get a medical alert bracelet for your child that indicates
she suffers from peanut allergy, and makes sure she wears it
all the time.
*Educate the public. Talk to the staff at your child's
school so they know what to do in case your child has a
problem. Encourage restaurants and other public food
providers to list peanut or peanut-derived ingredients in
their menus.
*Some studies indicate that mothers should avoid peanut
products while nursing a child who has a high risk of
developing peanut allergy. (Indicators of high risk are a
strong family history of allergy or a first degree relative
with peanut allergy)
*If your child refuses to eat or dislikes a food the first
time you give it to him, it may be an indication that he is
allergic to that food.
*Refined, heat-processed peanut oil will not cause an
allergic reactions in peanut-allergic individuals, However,
a reaction can occur if the oil is contaminated with peanut
protein. Cold-processed peanut oil is not free of protein,
and should not be used by allergic individuals.
*If your child has other allergies, don't give her peanuts
or nuts, or at least wait until she is older. (Some sources
say older than five year.)
Sources for both articles:
Facts About Peanut Allergy Effects of peanut allergy Helpful Hints for Managing Peanut Allergy Peanut allergy: where do we stand? Copyright 2000 by Donna Zelzer, all rights reserved. To subscribe, send your email to nanny-join@moonlily.com
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