Common Questions About Peanut Allergies - Answered.
Common Questions About Peanut Allergies - Answered.
What is the treatment for someone who is suffering from an allergic reaction? Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction, and can occur when only a small amount of the allergenic protein is eaten. Epinephrine is the approved treatment for anaphylaxis and should be administered without delay. 8 Individuals should seek medical help when a reaction occurs, including calling 911 anytime epinephrine is administered. What are the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction to food? Identifying and treating a reaction quickly is paramount for safety. Common signs and symptoms of food allergy reaction include: 8 • Hives • Itching and swelling of the mouth, throat and eyes • Vomiting and diarrhea • Difficulty breathing • Reduced blood pressure, weakness and fainting Will smelling or touching peanuts or peanut butter cause anaphylaxis? No. Research does not support skin contact or airborne peanut butter exposure as a source of anaphylaxis, though hay fever type reactions may occur. 9 Most instances of anaphylaxis are the result of accidental ingestion of peanut proteins or exposure through the eyes or mouth.
How can peanut proteins be cleaned from surfaces and skin? Common household cleaners have demonstrated to be effective in removing peanut proteins from surfaces and eating areas. Soap and water remove peanut proteins from skin, but sanitizer alone does not. 0 Do bans on peanut products reduce the risk of accidental exposure? No. To the contrary, research has shown that banning peanuts in schools may increase the risk for reactions and does not reduce the frequency of epinephrine use. Bans give a false sense of security, and are not recommended by healthcare professionals. Best practices for managing food allergies in foodservice include using basic food safety techniques, separating allergens, clearly labeling allergens and avoiding cross contact in kitchens and serving areas. Most importantly, allergic customers should use caution when dining out, be sure to notify staff of their allergy and be prepared in case of accidental ingestion. What if my friend at school or family member has a peanut allergy and I do not?
Should pregnant and breastfeeding women avoid peanut foods? No. The American Academy of Pediatrics and Dietary Guidelines for Americans explicitly state that research does not support avoiding any food as a means of preventing food allergies. 6,7 They also state that there’s no need for women to avoid peanuts while pregnant or breastfeeding, unless they are allergic. 6,7 How are peanut allergies diagnosed? Diagnosing a food allergy is complex, and should be conducted by a board-certified allergist. Blood and skin-prick tests are valuable tools for identifying an allergy, but are not conclusive in diagnosing food allergies on their own. Oral food challenges are the gold standard for food allergy diagnosis. How can peanut allergic individuals prevent a reaction? Avoiding a food allergen is the only way for allergic individuals to prevent a reaction. 8 Those who are food allergic should always check labels on packaged foods, ask about ingredients in meals at restaurants and have an emergency action plan in place in case of accidental exposure. Is there a cure for peanut allergies? Not yet. In 2020, FDA approved a treatment for peanut allergy called Palforzia, which reduces the risk of a life-threatening reaction if peanuts are accidentally eaten. It is not a cure.
If your friend or family has a peanut allergy, you can still enjoy the great taste of peanuts and peanut products! Just be mindful of who has an allergy, do not share food or utensils, clean up after yourself and always wash your hands. 9, 10 What are best practices for eating peanuts/peanut products in public? Be mindful that others may have an allergy to peanuts. Following good hygiene and using basic sanitation goes a long way in reducing the risk to those with food allergies. For instance, avoid sharing food, especially with people you do not know, throw out all food wrappers in designated disposals and always maintain good hand washing practices. 10 Where can I find more information about peanut allergies? With evidence-based resources from physicians, researches, healthcare organizations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and food allergy advocacy groups, PeanutAllergyFacts.org is a reliable source for information on peanut allergies.
NationalPeanutBoard.org
Resources
1. NIAID Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Food Allergies in the U.S. 2. WAO White Book on Allergy 3. CDC 4. NEJM Randomized trial of peanut consumption in infants at risk for peanut allergy.
5. NIAID 2017 Addendum Guidelines for the Prevention of Peanut Allergy in the United States. 6. USDA and HHS 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. 7. AAP 8. AAAAI
JACI 9. Simonte. S, et al. Relevance of casual contact with peanut butter in children with peanut allergy 10. Perry, Tamara T .. et al. - Distribution of peanut allergen in the environment 12. Impact of School Peanut-Free Policies on Epinephrine Administration. 11. AACI Accidental exposure (AE) to peanut in a large cohort of Canadian children with peanut allergy.
Peanuts are a nutritious superfood that 99% of Americans can safely enjoy. Knowing that even one individual has the potential to be harmed by eating peanuts has motivated peanut farmers to contribute more than $35 million for allergy research, education and outreach. The National Peanut Board offers resources and assistance to parents, schools, health professionals and foodservice professionals to safely manage food allergens while still serving peanut products. By continuing to invest in research and education, the hope is that one day peanut allergies will be a thing of the past.
America’s Peanut Farmers Care
Additional Resources: PeanutAllergyFacts.org, FoodAllergyAwareness.org, FoodAllergy.org, AAAAI.org
Peanut Allergy Community Education Guide 12
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