FAQs

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.

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.

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/

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

[2] https://www.foodallergy.org/anaphylaxis

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.

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

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.

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.