The Danger of a Child Peanut Allergy

Why a Child Peanut Allergy Is a Concern

Child peanut allergies are of serious concern due to the following four main reasons:

	In many cases child peanut allergies cause life-threatening reactions
	Peanut and peanut products cause child peanut allergies in children; children with child peanut allergies are extremely sensitive to peanuts and peanut products and they cannot even stand near peanuts or its products
	Peanuts, peanut oils, and peanut products are commonly found in many foods because of which there is a possibility of increase in peanut-causing allergens
	Under normal circumstances child peanut allergies are not outgrown

Anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock is a rare but serious condition; it is the end result of a severe allergic reaction. The reaction affects the whole body, causing a sudden drop in blood pressure and narrowing of the airways. This is not a very common allergy symptom for majority of food allergies; this is common in the case of child peanut allergy and accounts for 80% of anaphylactic reactions.

Signs and Symptoms of a Child Peanut Allergy

*The onset of child peanut energy signs and symptoms can occur all of a sudden and it can be quite severe; it is common that many children who taste peanuts for the first time are affected by child peanut allergy reaction.

Children affected by peanut allergy will have the following allergic reactions initially.

	Runny nose
	Skin rash or hives
	Tingling of the tongue
	Itchy mouth or throat

The above symptoms are only initial reactions; these can get aggravated very fast and the children might get more dangerous peanut allergy systems. The ultimate reaction could be anaphylactic shock. In case the child shows any of the following reactions it is necessary to take the child to a doctor for getting emergent medical help.

	Difficulty in breathing
	Difficulty in swallowing
	Swelling of the mouth, lips, or throat
	Swelling in the body
	Drop in blood pressure
	Dizziness
	Loss of consciousness
	Confusion

In addition to the above, the following symptoms can also occur from a child peanut allergy.

	Hoarse/raspy voice
	Nausea or stomach upset
	Vomiting
	Abdominal pain or cramping
	Diarrhea
	Feeling of being light-headed

Tips for Parents of Children with Child Peanut Allergies

In case there is even an iota of suspicion that the child has child peanut allergy you should consult the child's pediatrician or family doctor immediately.  Once the diagnosis establishes that the child has peanut allergy, you must make out a plan of action for avoiding peanuts and peanut products. This plan in conjunction with the below mentioned tips for managing the life of the child with peanut allergy will ensure that the child avoids dangerous reactions to peanut allergy. Parents and care takers should strictly follow this plan.

	Learn to read food labels and look for possible cross-contamination.
	Read every food label thoroughly
	Injectable epinephrine is pharmaceutical adrenaline which is helpful for combating a severe reaction; Keep injectable epinephrine with your child always – wherever the child goes
	Keep antihistamine always with the child
	Since fried foods are often cooked in peanut oils avoid them in restaurants
	The child should be discouraged from eating anything with unknown ingredients
	You must ensure that all teachers, family members, friends and family are fully aware of the child’s allergic reactions; they also should know what the child should eat and emergency measures to be taken in case of an accidental ingestion or reaction
	Develop an emergency plan to counter any reaction and help your child to memorize it
	Educate your child on how unsafe it is to accept food from strangers unless you give the permission
	The child should carry food packed by you to eat at friends' houses and birthday parties
	Encourage frequent hand-washing
	A list of especially dangerous foods should be kept with your child always
	he child should be trained to learn the signs of a reaction and get help as required
	Do not allow yourself or your child to take it lightly regarding his/ her peanut allergy

It is quite scary to live with a child having allergy to peanuts and its products. However, by properly managing the peanut allergic reactions of the child and preparing clear plan for emergency conditions in the event of an accidental peanut ingestion one can reduce the risks and the child’s life will become less threatening.