There are very many food allergies that affect both children and adults. Peanut allergy is one such problem that affects 2% of children in America. Numerous other developed countries are also suffering the same fate, which is why it is important to acquire relevant info beforehand. This way, you will be in a better position to manage the situation should your child get afflicted.
In some cases, the allergy normally disappears as the child enters adulthood. However, a large percentage of these cases persist for the rest of their lives.
What Are the Symptoms of Peanut Allergy?
Some of the symptoms that children allergic to peanuts exhibit include:
Abdominal pain
Eczema
Bumpy Rashes
Swollen tongue
Light headedness
Watery eyes
Breathing difficulty
Unconsciousness
Diarrhea
Nausea
Vomiting
Coughing
Wheezing
What is the Diagnosis for this Allergy?
Doctors normally conduct several skin and blood tests in order to establish the presence of this type of allergy. It’s important to identify the symptoms above because the doctor will ask about them. Proper diagnosis will only prevail when the patient’s history in relation to peanut consumption is vivid.
More tests will be conducted for adults testing for peanut allergy. In such a case, challenge tests will be required for the doctor determine if the allergic reaction is still lurking. You may be given a small amount of peanut to consume while under supervision. Be aware that this type of test should only be performed by a doctor.
How Can this Allergy Be Treated?
This type of allergy cannot be cured. What doctors usually prescribe is a treatment plan that will ensure contact with peanuts is eliminated. This means that the patient should also refrain from consuming products that contain peanuts like sauces and butter. When purchasing food in the stores, be sure to read labels for traces of this ingredient.
Many people are unaware that peanuts belong to the group of legumes. A person with a peanut allergy can also suffer allergies from other legumes like peas and soy in rare cases. Those suffering from this type of allergy ought to avoid all types of nuts.
In severe cases, children are advised to carry adrenaline and inject it to their bodies when the symptoms become unbearable. For this to succeed, the parents must teach the child the process of self-injection to avoid mistakes.
Important Tips:
The severity of this type of allergy does not depend on the amount ingested. This is due to the fact that the protein in peanut is quickly recognized when entering the body.
Allergic reactions rarely occur when small peanut particles are inhaled. The protein inside the nuts will not easily escape into the air and enter the nose. Do not be afraid of peanut’s scent since it is insufficient to cause an allergic reaction.
Peanut allergy reactions can occur when the patient is in an enclosed space where there are plenty of peanuts. The situation is bound to worsen if the nuts are being snapped.