Understanding Peanut Allergies

Understanding Peanut Allergies

What is a true peanut allergy?

Peanut allergy is one of many types of food allergy. It causes an abnormal response by the body to
peanuts or peanut products. These responses can range from mild skin rashes to severe breathing
problems to shock. About 25 percent of the time, an allergic reaction occurs the first time your child is
exposed to the food. However, it is more likely to occur the second time. Allergies are an overreaction of
the body’s natural defense system that normally fights infections, causing symptoms from hives to shock.
A true peanut allergy is diagnosed with a positive skin or blood test, as well as a history of a reaction to
the food that your child has experienced. An accurate diagnosis requires both.

What happens if my child normally eats peanuts, then has a positive allergy test to peanut?

First, your child cannot become allergic from the test itself. A positive allergy test could mean that your
child is sensitized to peanut and may not be truly allergic to them. Or, it might indicate that your child is
allergic to similar pollen from birch trees or other plants instead of peanut. A child who is eating peanuts
frequently is tolerant to peanut. Before your child stops eating peanuts, consider making an appointment
with a pediatric allergist.

Is there a difference between peanut and tree nut allergies?

Yes. About half of children with peanut allergies are also 
likely to have tree nut allergies. Peanuts grow near
the ground and are considered a legume. Peas and soybeans are also legumes. Tree nuts include cashews,
walnuts, macadamia nuts and pecans. If your child normally eats peanut butter or peanuts, then suddenly
has an allergic reaction to mixed nuts, he or she could be allergic to tree nuts rather than peanuts.

Are all allergic reactions to peanuts severe?

No, while peanut allergies are often associated with life-threatening emergencies, statistics show
something different. A study of 4,000 children, published this year in Pediatrics, found that serious
reactions were seen in just over half of the patients with peanut allergies. While it is important if your
child has a true peanut allergy to be cautious and careful about the food products your child consumes,
it may be helpful to know that not all reactions result in a life-threatening emergency, based on the
results of this study.

If my child has a food allergy, should I have him or her tested for other food allergies?

Not necessarily. The value of an allergy test depends on your child’s history with that food. About 50 percent
of the time, tests produce false positive results. You should talk to your child’s doctor or a specialist. Allergy
tests simply show that your child has a sensitivity to a certain food, not necessarily an allergy.