Does your child experience allergy symptoms after eating peanuts? Symptoms like skin hives, a runny nose, stomach cramps and breathing issues are a cause for concern, encouraging Atlanta parents to search for a safe peanut allergy treatment. But while you may think simply preventing children from consuming peanuts is the best solution, studies suggest that an alternative treatment might be quite effective.
The Growing Prevalence of Peanut Allergy Symptoms in Children
Approximately 2 percent of American children have some form of peanut allergy. The fact that some peanut allergies are so severe that they can lead to a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis has led many parents to avoid giving peanut products to their children. Despite the over-abundance of caution, the incidence of peanut allergies appears to be growing. New guidelines published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology challenges the idea that avoiding peanut products during infancy is the best policy.
Large-Scale Study Regarding Peanut Allergy Prevention
The study was developed by researchers from the Immune Tolerance Network after observing that infants in Israel had a much lower incidence of peanut allergies than infants in other parts of the world. The researchers wanted to determine if there was a correlation between the lower incidence of peanut allergies and the common practice in Israel of feeding infants a peanut-containing snack during infancy.
The study followed more than 600 children who were at high risk of developing peanut allergies. One group was given a small amount of a food containing peanuts three times a week starting in infancy and continuing until the age of 5. The second group did not receive any peanut products before the age of 5. At the end of the study, each group of children was given peanuts. Approximately 18 percent of the children who had abstained from peanuts had an allergic reaction compared to only 1 percent of those who had been introduced to peanuts early in life. The peanut challenge was repeated the following year, and the children who did not have a peanut allergy initially were still free of peanut allergies. The researchers concluded that introducing peanut products while the immune system is still developing can prevent up to 80 percent of peanut allergies.
This approach is similar to the desensitization treatments used for children with severe food allergies. Oral immunotherapy and other peanut allergy treatments can prevent severe reactions after the patient’s immune system builds a tolerance to the allergen.
Guidelines for Introducing Peanut-Containing Foods to Infants
- High-Risk Children
Infants with egg allergies, asthma, or a family history of peanut allergies are the most likely to develop peanut allergies. The new guidelines for high-risk infants recommend that parents either introduce a small amount of a peanut-containing food at 4 to 6 months of age or consult an allergist for a skin or blood test to determine if their child is allergic.
- Moderate-Risk Children
Children who have mild to moderate eczema are considered to have a moderate risk of developing peanut allergies. Parents are encouraged to give these children peanut-containing foods starting at 6 months of age.
- Low-Risk Children
Children without food allergies, eczema, or a family history of peanut allergies can be given peanut-containing foods at any age.
Of course, you should never give whole peanuts to infants since they pose a significant choking hazard.
What Steps Can You Take to Manage a Peanut Allergy?
If your child has an existing peanut allergy, various steps can help prevent severe reactions and promote staying healthy. When you suspect your child has an issue with peanuts (or another substance) but has not been diagnosed, it’s time to speak with your allergist. An accurate diagnosis may be made using skin, blood or oral challenge food allergy testing.
If a peanut allergy is diagnosed, your allergist may recommend avoiding exposure to peanuts and taking medication such as antihistamines. In some cases, oral immunotherapy treatment can be used to desensitize the immune system to peanut proteins. With a dedicated treatment plan, your child can enjoy a healthy diet without the unnecessary fear of allergic reactions.
Contact Us for Adult and Pediatric Peanut Allergy Treatments
Chacko Food Allergy Treatment Center is a leading provider of peanut allergy testing and treatment. For safe, dependable food allergy solutions, visit one of our centers in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Druid Hills, Duluth or Johns Creek. Call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment now.
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