Peanut Allergy
Peanut allergy is a type of food allergy distinct from nut allergies. It is a type 1 hypersensitivity reaction to dietary substances from peanuts that causes an overreaction of the immune system which in a small percentage of people may lead to severe physical symptoms.
Allergies to nuts, nut products and some seeds affect 1-2% of the population. Your child has a higher risk of developing a peanut allergy if they already have a known allergy (such as eczema or a diagnosed food allergy), or there's a history of allergy in their immediate family (such as asthma, eczema or hay fever).
If this is the case, talk to your GP or health visitor before you give peanuts or food containing peanuts to your child for the first time.
What are the symptoms of peanut allergy? The majorities of allergic reactions to peanut are mild and consist of hives around the mouth where peanut has touched the skin, or more generalized hives on other parts of the body. Another common symptom is abdominal pain and vomiting which occurs soon after eating a peanut product. More sensitive children can develop coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing or hoarseness of the voice due to an allergic reaction occurring in the airway. In the most severe cases collapse and loss of consciousness can occur. Very rarely, very sensitive individuals have died from the severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis.
How do I avoid exposing my child to peanuts? Peanuts are found in foods we don't always expect them to be in. It pays to know where to look. It is important to use common sense and read food labels carefully.
Avoid foods that contain any of these ingredients:
Avoid giving your child peanuts and foods containing peanuts before the age of six months.
Allergies to nuts, nut products and some seeds affect 1-2% of the population. Your child has a higher risk of developing a peanut allergy if they already have a known allergy (such as eczema or a diagnosed food allergy), or there's a history of allergy in their immediate family (such as asthma, eczema or hay fever).
If this is the case, talk to your GP or health visitor before you give peanuts or food containing peanuts to your child for the first time.
What are the symptoms of peanut allergy? The majorities of allergic reactions to peanut are mild and consist of hives around the mouth where peanut has touched the skin, or more generalized hives on other parts of the body. Another common symptom is abdominal pain and vomiting which occurs soon after eating a peanut product. More sensitive children can develop coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing or hoarseness of the voice due to an allergic reaction occurring in the airway. In the most severe cases collapse and loss of consciousness can occur. Very rarely, very sensitive individuals have died from the severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis.
How do I avoid exposing my child to peanuts? Peanuts are found in foods we don't always expect them to be in. It pays to know where to look. It is important to use common sense and read food labels carefully.
Avoid foods that contain any of these ingredients:
- Peanuts, ground nuts, beer nuts, monkey nuts.
- Peanut oil - cold pressed, expressed, or expelled (note - Arachis oil is peanut oil).
- Highly refined peanut oil is unlikely to cause a reaction in those with a peanut allergy.
- All peanut products eg peanut butter.
- Crushed / ground peanut - in sauces or coating on food (cakes, buns, ice-cream), satay sauce, peanut sauce.
Avoid giving your child peanuts and foods containing peanuts before the age of six months.