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Common Food Allergies: Peanut Allergy
Perhaps the most common and feared food allergy is a peanut allergy. They are one of the most frequently cited causes of anaphylactic reactions. In reality, peanuts have caused fewer deaths than tree nuts and shellfish; however they still carry a very bad reputation and have been banned by many places.
As with any other common food allergy, it is important to be prudent with a child with peanut allergy and careful avoidance of even minute amounts of peanuts is crucial.
Symptoms of Food Allergies
As mentioned, the most severe reaction to peanuts is anaphylaxis. An anaphylactic reaction is systemic and can rapidly progress to anaphylactic shock and death. Other less severe symptoms include hives, tissue swelling, wheezing, asthma, nausea and allergic conjunctivitis. Unlike milk allergy, an allergy to peanuts is usually life long.
Peanut protein is the only protein found in peanuts that jpeople can be allergic to. Peanuts are unrelated to nuts that grow on trees, and people allergic to peanuts are usually able to eat tree nuts such as walnuts, pecans and almonds. Tree nuts are also highly allergenic however, and can also cause anaphylaxis. The two allergies should be differentiated so the diet is not unnecessarily limited.
Ingredients that Indicate the Presence of Peanut on a Label
Peanut protein
Hydrolyzed peanut protein
Peanut oil
Cold-pressed peanut oil
Peanut butter
Peanut flour
Mandalona nuts
Artificial nuts
Nu-nuts flavored nuts
Beer nuts
Mixed nuts
Goober nuts
Goober peas
The diet of a child allergic to peanuts can contain a wide variety of foods as long as the ingredients above are eliminated from the diet. If you have any questions or are having trouble planning a diet,
make an appointment with us
or consult a dietitian in your area. We will be able to ensure your child is eating a balanced diet free of peanuts and peanut products.
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"Undiagnosed food allergies were the reason Michael refused to eat and this progressed to severe food refusal. We came to you desperate and not knowing where else to turn. During our first session you asked about food allergies and suddenly a light went off in my head. We got Michael tested and sure enough he was allergic to eggs, milk and soy. With your help we were able to eliminate the offending foods and although feeding times can still be tough we now know he is not in pain and are able to work through it with him and he has been able to gain weight."
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