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Unlike a mild allergy
to spring flowers, a nut or peanut allergy can cause difficulty breathing
and other very serious health problems. That's why it's very important
for someone with a nut or peanut allergy to avoid eating nuts and
peanuts, which can be tough because they're in lots of foods. Peanut
allergies affects approximately 1.5 million people in the United States.
As the most common cause of life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis),
peanut allergies account for 80 percent of fatal or near-fatal allergic
reactions each year. You can reduce your risk of having an allergic
reaction to peanuts by knowing as much as you can about peanut allergy
and how to avoid peanut-containing products.
Hidden
Sources of Peanuts:
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Artificial nuts can be peanuts
that have been deflavored and reflavored with a nut, such as
pecan or walnut. Mandelonas are peanuts soaked in almond flavoring.
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Arachis oil is another name for peanut oil. |
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African, Chinese, Indonesian, Mexican, Thai,
and Vietnamese dishes often contain peanuts or are contaminated
with peanuts during the preparation process. Additionally, foods
sold in bakeries and ice cream shops are often in contact with
peanuts. |
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Many brands of sunflower seeds are produced
on equipment shared with peanuts. |
Commonly asked Questions about Egg allergies:
| Can a peanut allergy
be outgrown? |
Although once considered to be a lifelong
allergy, recent studies indicate that up to 20 percent of children
diagnosed with peanut allergy outgrow it.
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Can alternative nut butters (i.e.,
cashew nut butter) be substituted for peanut butter?
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Many nut butters are produced on equipment
used to process peanut butter, therefore making it somewhat
of a risky alternative. Additionally, most experts recommend
peanut-allergic patients avoid tree nuts as well. Read the label
of the nut butter to see if it is Allergy-friendly.
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Keep in Mind
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| Studies show that most allergic
individuals can safely eat peanut oil (not cold pressed, expelled,
or extruded peanut oil - sometimes represented as gourmet oils).
If you are allergic to peanuts, ask your doctor whether or not
you should avoid peanut oil. |
| Most experts recommend peanut-allergic patients
avoid tree nuts as an extra precaution. |
| Peanuts can be found in many foods and candies,
especially chocolate candy.. Check all labels carefully. |
| Peanuts can cause severe allergic reactions.
If prescribed, carry epinephrine at all times as a precautionary
measure. |
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If you suspect that you have an egg allergy, consult your
physician or allergists and get tested!
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