Nut Allergies in Children
Nut allergies in children are quite common and are frequently observed in the first years of life. While peanut and tree nut intolerance can result in mild digestive distress, a child with a true nut allergy exhibits definitive signs and symptoms. If your child has severe nut allergies, emergency treatment is always necessary.
Will My Child Outgrow Nut Allergies?
According to the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America, around 3 to 8 percent of children have a reaction to food, but only 1 to 2 percent actually have true food allergies. Nut allergies are confirmed through a skin prick test or blood testing. While a child can outgrow an allergy to a certain food type (usually by age 4), certain allergies can persist. Allergies to peanuts and tree nuts generally last a lifetime.
Symptoms of Nut Allergies
Food allergy symptoms generally present themselves within a few minutes to an hour after eating a food. If your child is allergic to peanuts or tree nuts, he might complain that his mouth tingles or that he's having trouble breathing. Note if your child shows hives on his skin or swelling of the lips, mouth, face and other body parts. Abdominal cramping, vomiting and diarrhea are signs of nut allergies. However, if your child's allergic reaction to nuts is severe, it may lead to anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening condition. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include constriction of the airway or a swollen throat that makes it impossible for your child to breathe. A sudden, precipitous drop in blood pressure can lead to unconsciousness, coma and even death. Anaphylaxis requires immediate emergency care.
Treating Nut Allergies
While milder food allergies may be treated with antihistamines, severe allergic responses such as anaphylaxis often require that your child be taken to the emergency room for a shot of epinephrine and close monitoring. Many parents carry auto-injectable pens so they can administer epinephrine to their child at the first sign of anaphylaxis.
Preventing Nut Allergies
If your child has nut allergies, have him wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace. Inform all teachers and caregivers of your child's allergy, and give them detailed instructions as to treat the child. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration requires all foods that contain peanuts and tree nuts to be labeled accordingly, so read all labels carefully when you shop. Discourage your child from sharing food with friends or accepting snacks that may contain nuts.
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