A peanut allergy is serious. They are the most common cause of food allergy related death, according to MedicineNet.com, with 150-200 people dying per year as a result of peanut allergy reactions. A reaction from exposure to peanuts can cause respiratory failure, swelling, heart failure, and even death. The British Medical Journal estimates that 1.3% of the general population suffers from peanut allergies.
There is no known cure for extreme sensitivity to peanut proteins.
Avoidance is the only option. Treatment is available for the severe symptoms, known as anaphylactic reactions, and that is injection with an Epi-Pen and a trip to the hospital. Because the Epi-Pen must be available within minutes of an anaphylactic reaction, physicians prescribe them and recommend that the child with a peanut allergy always have the Epi-Pen with him.
Peanut allergies can be triggered by contact with another person who has eaten peanuts, airborne peanut protein particles, or ingesting traces of peanut ingredients in other foods. A trace can be as little as 1/1000 of a peanut! As a result, children with peanut allergies need to be taught to only eat food from home (which is specifically chosen or prepared to avoid peanuts entirely), and to stay away from others who are eating peanuts or peanut products. When purchasing food, it is important to note on the label if the food has been manufactured in a peanut-free environment. If it has not, it may contain trace bits of peanuts that can trigger a reaction.
Many schools have adopted peanut-free tables or rooms to protect kids with peanut allergies. Teachers are trained in use of the Epi-Pen, and keep it in easy access in case of an accidental exposure and anaphylactic reaction. If a child with an allergy has a reaction, and is too young or reacts too quickly to administer the shot, a nearby adult can administer the shot for the child.
Several airlines have adopted peanut-free policies on their flights, but travelers with peanut allergies are encouraged to alert the plane staff, so that everybody knows about the situation. Passengers nearby may have brought their own food on board, including peanut butter, or peanuts themselves, and may be unaware of the airline's policy, or the danger that they could be causing an allergy sufferer.
Education is the best route for parents of kids with peanut allergies. School teachers, coaches, extracurricular activity coordinators, religious education teachers and everyone the child comes in regular contact with needs to know and be aware of the need for children with peanut allergies to avoid all peanut exposure. Parents need to be diligent about informing and educating these people, and packing food for their child to safely eat when away from home.
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