If you’re hearing about more kids who have a peanut allergy, or if your child has a peanut allergy, it’s not a coincidence: the number of kids in the United States with a peanut allergy is growing.
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, the number of children in the United States with a peanut allergy more than tripled between 1997 and 2008.
Although there are different theories as to why peanut allergies and other food allergies are on the rise across the country, none of them have been proven yet, said Dr. John LaCount, a pediatrician with St. Elizabeth Physicians’ Florence office.
Because of the seriousness of peanut allergies, though, which can cause itchy skin or hives, itching or tingling around the mouth or throat, nausea, a runny or congested nose, and, in rare cases, anaphylaxis (a potentially life-threatening reaction that disrupts breathing and can send the body into shock), they’re not taken lightly.
Chances are, because of the prevalence of peanut allergies, you’re not completely in the dark about foods to avoid, and, thanks to the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004, manufacturers of packaged food products sold in the United States must include the presence of peanuts ““ if peanuts were present at the place the food was manufactured or included as an ingredient itself ““ in clear language on the ingredient label.
But, to review, and in conjunction with May 8-14 as Food Allergy Awareness Week, peanuts and peanut products are commonly found in candies, cereals and baked goods, such as cookies, cakes and pies, according to the ACAAI.
Also, LaCount adds, peanuts and peanut products can appear in (some but not all) chili sauces, hot sauces, pesto, gravies, salad dressings, puddings, hot chocolate, specialty pizzas, pancakes, glazes, marinades and ethnic foods, such as Asian and Mexican.
When it comes down to it, the best thing you can do is to check the label.
“The most important thing parents of kids with peanut allergies need to understand is that they’re going to have to read labels,” LaCount said. The families also need to be aware that many children require epinephrine for the peanut allergy. “Know where it is and how to use it in an emergency. And pay attention to snacks when you’re outside of the home, which especially comes into play when the child is school-aged.”
