It’s just a peanut…

Posted Jul 27, 2009 by Donna Koehn

Updated Jul 27, 2009 at 01:05 PM

Like a growing number of children—an estimated 6 to 8 percent—my son suffers from food allergies. We carry an Epi-Pen wherever we go, in case he accidentally eats soy, tree nuts or any of the other foods to which he could have a fatal reaction.

But a new study suggests most people don’t understand food allergies or know what to do for them. That’s disturbing, because 76 percent of food allergy-related deaths occur outside the home. Teenagers in particular are at risk because of their desire to fit in and downplay their allergies.

The study, published in July in Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, did show that 95 percent of people know that food allergies can be fatal. But almost half erroneously believed that a cure exists, and more than two-thirds believe that daily medicine can prevent a deadly attack.

Researchers noted that although almost 85 percent agreed that schools should have plans to keep food-allergic children safe, most were not in favor of implementing policies such as banning peanut products.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis, which my son and I know well following an ER visit not too long ago, can include chest tightness, wheezing, nausea, vomiting, cramping, hives and swelling of the lips and joints. The most dangerous symptoms are breathing difficulties, throat swelling, dizziness, shock and loss of consciousness.

For more information, check out the Web site of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.