Allergy Management
How to safely manage peanut allergies
Whether it’s you or someone you know, having the resources and tools you need to manage a peanut allergy is crucial.
Can peanut allergies be reversed?
It may not be possible to prevent all food allergies from happening, so it’s important to consider how they could be reversed.
Researchers around the world are looking for ways to reverse food allergies by developing tolerance through immunotherapy (introducing tiny amounts of food proteins, by mouth of skin, in increasing doses over time). They’re also studying the impact of medications and supplements. These treatments are still experimental, but the hope is that they will someday be available to all allergic individuals.
Treatments worth knowing about
The Peanut Patch
Epicutaneous immunotherapy (EPIT) delivers small amounts of peanut protein through a skin patch. In a double-blind clinical study among children 4-7 years of age, 46% of participants showed increased peanut tolerance compared to just 15% in the placebo group. Allergic reactions to the protein were minimal. More research is underway, but early results are encouraging. . Source: https://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(16)30966-6/fulltext
Oral Immunotherapy (OIT)
One of the most promising approaches, OIT works by giving patients small daily doses of peanut protein, gradually training the body to stop treating it as a threat. In one study
of infants and toddlers with peanut allergy, 81% were desensitized after at least one year of treatment. Early intervention appears to be key.
Source: https://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(16)30531-0/fulltext
Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)
A less studied but emerging option, SLIT involves placing a daily peanut extract under the tongue in gradually increasing doses. Research is ongoing.
Understanding anaphylaxis
Allergic reactions to peanuts are unpredictable and can range from mild to severe. Anaphylaxis is the most serious — a life-threatening reaction that requires immediate treatment with epinephrine and emergency medical care. Knowing the signs and having an action plan in place isn’t just smart. It could be lifesaving.
Frequently asked questions
Many people confuse food intolerance with an allergy. The main difference? A food intolerance response typically involves symptoms limited to the digestive system, while an allergic reaction to food involves the immune system. Because the symptoms between the two can be similar, it’s important to be tested and receive a proper diagnosis. In fact, according to the Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Food Allergy in the United States, multiple studies demonstrate that 50-90% of presumed food allergies are not allergies.
Millions of people successfully live with food allergies every day. The keys to success are having a comprehensive allergy management plan and being diligent before consuming any food you are uncertain about. The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Connection Team (FAACT) has a variety of resources for the newly diagnosed.
Since there’s no single test that can confirm or rule out an allergy, your doctor will take several steps in order to properly identify a food allergy. The doctor will most likely conduct blood and/or skin tests to identify the food(s) that may be causing a reaction. These results, paired with those from an oral food challenge test and all other information (such as a food diary, family history, previous reactions, etc.), help determine whether a food allergy exists.1
Reference
[1] http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/foodallergy/documents/foodallergy.pdf
Fortunately, there are many resources that can provide guidance and assistance. This website provides tips for parents, schools, healthcare professionals, foodservice and manufacturers. For more information, visit our Resources page.
According to FAACT, symptoms of a food allergic reaction may include one or more of the following:2
- Tingling of the mouth
- Swelling of the tongue and throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Hives
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness and loss of consciousness
Symptoms can affect different parts of the body, can occur alone, or in combination, and can range from mild to severe or even life threatening.
Reference
According to the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Connection Team, for those who are severely allergic, ingesting even a trace amount of peanuts can cause a reaction, but skin contact and smelling peanuts are unlikely to cause systemic reactions or anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis may occur due to ingestion, but research supports that people with peanut allergies are highly unlikely to have serious reactions as the result of casual contact with peanut proteins. If symptoms do occur, it generally includes sneezing, runny nose and/or coughing.3
Reference
[3] http://www.foodallergyawareness.org/foodallergy/anaphylaxis-2/
Life threatening reactions are rare but can happen when an individual ingests the food to which they are allergic. If you suspect you or an individual is having an allergic reaction, you must act quickly. According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, it is essential to administer epinephrine and call 911 for immediate medical attention.
Epinephrine is the recommended treatment for anaphylaxis.4 There are several options:
- EpiPen®
- Epinephrine injection auto-injector (Adrenaclick® generic)
- Syringe and vial of epinephrine as a method of emergency treatment.
- Auvi-Q
Speak to your doctor about the best method for maintaining and administering epinephrine for your health or the health of your child. For more information visit FARE.
[4] The National Peanut Board does not promote or support any specific injector/brand.
