A peanut allergy is when your child’s immune system reacts to a normally harmless protein in peanuts. Allergic reactions can be mild such as skin welts, tingling mouth and stomach symptoms. However, some can be life-threatening (anaphylaxis). 1, 2
Peanut allergy has increased in children during the past few decades. The current rate is 3% of one-year olds. The reasons aren’t fully understood yet, but most likely it involves an interaction between genes and external factors. 2, 3
One of the external factors may actually be the increase in peanut-free diets that aim to protect children from allergy. Studies now show this may be having the opposite effect. 3, 4 It appears the older some children are the first time they eat peanuts, the less efficient their stomachs are at learning the difference between a harmless peanut protein and a harmful protein.
Other dental products found at home and at one’s dentist, can affect one’s food allergies. Therefore, before visiting your dentist and investing on a dental treatment like an invisalign retainer it is suggested to talk to your dentist, this way they can fully sanitize the area they are working with to avoid contamination.
* If your child has a known peanut allergy, definitely avoid peanuts and have emergency treatment ready in case of anaphylaxis. 2
* If your child is at high-risk of developing a peanut allergy (this may be defined as having a sibling or parent with a known allergy), 6 eating peanuts may help prevent an allergy developing. 4, 7, 8
Speak with a doctor before introducing peanuts to receive appropriate testing and advice. 7
* If your child isn’t at high-risk, after you start introducing other solid foods to your baby from around 6 months of age, you can also introduce peanuts. 4, 6, 9
Speak with a doctor before introducing peanuts, particularly if you’re uncertain about the risk.
* Advice on introducing peanuts may include: start with foods like peanut butter, not whole peanuts (which can cause choking); the first time should be at home; if your child has no allergic reaction, you may gradually increase the amount. 6
For more information, Book an appointment with us today or visit www.allergy.org.au
Southgate Medical Centre
3 Southgate Ave
Southbank VIC 3006
References
Accessed April 3 2015
http://www.allergy.org.au/images/pcc/ASCIA_PCC_Peanut_treenut_seed_allergy_2014.pdf Accessed April 3 2015
Accessed April 3 2015
Southgate Medical Centre
3 Southgate Ave
Southbank VIC 3006