Kids Having Allergic Reactions to Peanuts at Much Younger Age

How Food Allergies Work

With food allergies, the immune system mistakenly believes that something a person ate is harmful. To try to protect the body, the immune system produces certain types of antibodies (called immunoglobulin E, or IgE) that then cause allergy cells in the body (called mast cells) to release chemicals into the bloodstream. Histamine, one of those chemicals, then starts affecting the person's eyes, nose, throat, lungs, skin, or gastrointestinal tract and causes the symptoms of the allergic reaction.

Although different people may react to allergens in different ways, signs of a mild allergic reaction can include:

• a stuffy, runny nose
• sneezing
• mild skin redness
• red bumps (hives) anywhere on the body
• mild swelling
• itchiness
• itchy, watery eyes

But the symptoms can quickly become more serious. Watch for signs of anaphylaxis (a sudden, potentially severe allergic reaction involving various systems in the body), such as:

• difficulty swallowing or speaking
• wheezing or trouble breathing
• swelling of the face or mouth
• tightness of the throat
• dizziness or fainting
• abdominal pain
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea

Although most allergic reactions aren't serious, severe reactions can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.

What This Means to You

About 1.5 million people in the United States are allergic to peanuts (which actually aren't a true nut after all, but a legume, in the same family as peas and lentils). Half of those allergic to peanuts are also allergic to tree nuts (like almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews, and often sunflower and sesame seeds).

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) estimates that up to 2 million, or 8%, of U.S. children have food allergies, and that six foods account for 90% of those:

1. eggs
2. milk
3. peanuts
4. tree nuts
5. soy
6. wheat

In fact, most of the kids in this latest peanut allergy study also were allergic or sensitive to one or more of those foods (as well as shellfish). But, unlike allergies to foods like milk and eggs, children generally don't outgrow allergies to peanuts or nuts — they just have to learn to avoid foods that could make them sick.

Although peanut butter packs a nutritious, easy punch for snacks and lunch — and is a favorite among kids of all ages — it's best to wait to give young kids peanuts and peanut butter until at least age 2, or later if food allergies run in your family. And if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about whether you should steer clear of peanuts and peanut butter, too.

Source: "Clinical Characteristics of Peanut-Allergic Children: Recent Changes," Pediatrics, December 2007.