How To Tell If Your Child Has Peanut Allergy

Peanut allergy is one of the most common causes of severe allergy attacks. Despite the name, the peanut is actually a legume and not a nut. Even small amounts of peanuts for some people can cause a serious life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis.

In recent times, peanut allergy has been increasing in children. So even if your little one has a mild allergic reaction to peanuts, it’s important to consult with your doctor. Even a mild allergy can pose the risk of a more serious future reaction.

Common Peanut Allergy Symptoms

Even the tiniest trace of a peanut can cause an allergic reaction in children who are allergic to them. If your child shows these symptoms after consuming peanuts or coming into contact with them, contact your healthcare provider-

• Runny nose or congestion
• Small spots or large welts called hives 
• Itchy skin
• Tingling or itchy feeling in the mouth

If your child has any of these symptoms along with the symptoms mentioned above then it needs to be taken seriously :

• Vomiting or nausea
• Swelling of face, tongue or lips
• Trouble in talking, breathing, swallowing or drooling
• Change in the level of unconsciousness or alertness
• Cool, moist, blue or pale coloured skin
• Fast heartbeat or weak pulse and weakness
• Shortness of breath, wheezing or coughing
• Feeling lightheaded or confused or dizzy
• Trouble waking up
• Diarrhoea or stomach cramps
• Seizure
• Chest pain or tightness

How to Protect Your Child From Peanut Allergy?

Follow these tips to protect your child from peanut allergy:

• Tell your child’s care providers and school staff about your child’s allergy. Let them know how to use any prescribed medicine.
• When shopping for food items, check their label for peanuts. Even if your child has eaten that food in the past, check the label.
• Inform restaurants and servers about your child’s food allergy while ordering.
• Keep medicines in hand for emergencies and learn how to use them. 
• Ask your child’s doctor to create a care plan in case of an emergency.
• Carry an epinephrine auto-injector to help with the allergic reaction

Can you Help Prevent a Peanut Allergy in Your Child?

Research suggests you may be able to help prevent a peanut allergy, mainly in young children who are at high risk for it. Introducing peanuts to children as early as 4 to 6 months of age may reduce their risk of developing food allergies by up to 80%. Babies who are at risk of peanut allergy include those with mild to severe eczema, egg allergy, or both. Before introducing your baby to peanuts, you can test a small quantity and then discuss the best approach with your child’s doctor.

Avoid giving any child younger than five years of age whole or partial peanuts as they can be a choking hazard. 

DISCLAIMER: We have taken steps to check the accuracy of the information & practices shared above; however, it is not a replacement for a doctor’s opinion. Please check with either your doctor, or an expert, before trying any suggestion, practice, or medication mentioned here.