Peanut Allergies

  Peanuts and there Problems

Peanuts, a cheap source of dietary protein predominantly ingested as peanut butter, have indeed become one of the world's most allergenic foods. They are, unfortunately, progressively finding their way into more and more food products either directly, or by indirect contamination of food products during the manufacturing process. Peanut may be designated on a food label in a less easily recognized term such as "hydrolysed vegetable protein" or "groundnuts". It is important to realize that for the sensitive person, this is a lifelong allergy, and that even trace amounts can kill. Sensitization may possible occur during a pregnancy when the mother overindulges in or perhaps even just eats peanut products, and peanut proteins have even been found in breast milk. 

www.pricelesscards.net    Personal memories created and designed by you!  Printed stamped and mailed by us.  ( Send Out Cards )

 The Allergic (Anaphylactic) Shock Reaction 

 This reaction can begin and proceed rapidly, occasionally proving fatal within minutes. It must be treated with epinephrine immediately at the first signs of reaction, and the reaction may recur after initial therapy so that ongoing observation and care are required. Possible symptoms of reaction to peanuts may include (not necessarily in this order): 

• sense of foreboding, fear, or apprehension
• tightness in mouth, chest or throat
• difficulty breathing or swallowing, drooling, wheezing, choking, coughing
• running nose, voice change
• vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, stomach pains
• dizziness, unsteadiness, sudden fatigue, rapid heartbeat, chills
• pallor, loss of consciousness, coma, death.   
• flushed face, hives, swollen or itchy lips, mouth, eyes, or tongue

                    

  

  Factors Which May Contribute To Fatal Peanut Reactions:

   
  Failure To Prevent Problem,
  
  -Failure to always read food labels carefully 
  -Not always inquiring about contents of foods regardless of where prepared 
  -Trying to taste a tiny bit of an unknown but suspected food to see if it contains peanut 
  -Sharing foods or utensils 
  -Obtaining foods from others when the contents may be unknown 
  -Relying on the service personnel in restaurants instead of the chef 
  -Kissing someone or being kissed by someone who has eaten peanut products 

  
  Failure To Identify Problem, 
  
  -Failure to appreciate that minimal amounts of peanut material can kill 
  -Minimization of, or denial of, symptoms of previous non-fatal reactions 
  -Failure to speak out when one even suspects that a reaction may be occurring 
  -Not wearing a bracelet showing "Allergy To Peanut" 

         Lifestyle Adjustments

• The sensitive individuals must recognize that they are different, bear a large responsibility, and know they can die of a reaction
• Residue of peanut material on a wiped counter top, cutlery or plates may induce a reaction. Aerosolized peanut material (e.g. opening a sealed jar of peanut butter, or fumes from cooking) may cause asthma in a susceptible individual. Some may experience nausea if people nearby are eating suspected foods.
• Peanut butter may be used to thicken chili, or to seal egg rolls. Bakery products and ice creams may easily be contaminated.
• It is unsafe to pick out a "safe" nut from a mixture containing peanuts. Avoid all nuts.
• Parents of the susceptive person must be vigilant, and yet worry about a possible fatal mistake. Most exposures are accidental.
• Peer pressure may be large -- One child received anonymous E-Mail saying "I'm Peanut, You're Dead"; another was chased about the schoolyard by a bully brandishing a peanut, while a third had the pouch containing life saving epinephrine taken as a prank.
• The parents of non-sensitive children may selfishly (or for financial reasons) argue that, "Why should my child be deprived of peanut when the problem is that of another child?" Perhaps the answer lies in the counter-argument that if their child had the life threatening reaction, would they not be the first to demand that all peanuts be removed from the child's environment. Fortunately, many schools and summer camps have come to realize the magnitude of the problem and controlled the problem.
• Some individuals also must avoid other foods in the legume family e.g. soya bean, pea, and garbanzo (chickpea) if allergy to these has been previously demonstrated.
• Education of friends, relatives and acquaintances is essential. Divorce situations may pose a special threat where one of the parents chooses to deny the problem.
• Pure peanut oil is generally non-allergenic, but cold pressed peanut oil or oil contaminated with peanut protein through cooking may be day

Disclaimer: In no way is this information meant to replace the advice and care from your doctor, or any other medical professional. Patients should inform their doctor/allergist/dermatologist if they are pursuing one of these treatment routes.