11/29/2011
There are some important things that you may not know about apeanut and tree nut allergy. Some parentswonder why they can’t eatcertain foods whenpeanuts or nutsare not visuallypresent. For example, M&M’s do not have peanuts as an ingredient, but there is a warning stating that they may contain peanuts.Prior to learning of myson’s allergy, he ate M&M’s all of the time and I don’t recall any noticeable signs of an allergic reaction, but now knowing what I know, I don’tgive my son M&M’s any longer. It isn’t worth the possible risk of my son eating the bag that may or maynot contain traces of peanuts. We have decided to stick to Skippers from Vermont Nut Free Chocolates. They taste the same and they are safe. I know some parents still give their children certain candy with these warnings on them and they also eat peanut andnut products around their food allergic child. These people may think differently if they knew that their child’s chances of outgrowing this allergy decreases each and every time they are exposed to peanuts or nuts. So if your child has little contact and a mild reaction then this still increases the likelihood of them having this allergy forever.
People who are not familiar with this allergy are not aware ofhow serious and severe it can be.
There have been reported cases of mild to severe reactions from simply kissing someone who had eaten peanuts or peanut butter,eating at a table where someone prior to you had a peanut butter sandwich, or even simply shaking a person’s hand. Some people do not understand that if they have peanut oil on them from the peanut butter and they don’t thoroughly wash then traces of peanuts can be spread onto anything they touch. Prior to my son being diagnosed, I was making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for his playmates. Iwiped the knife clean with a wet paper towel and made sure there were no noticeable traces of peanut butter because we had our suspicions that my son was allergic.I cut my son’s plain jelly sandwich with the same knife. His eye quickly blew up like a balloon. I also recall another time when my husband had eaten Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups while at work and when he came home, he kissed our son goodnight. Shortly after, I noticed a rash develop around his mouth. This may sound crazy or an overreaction to some, but try telling that toa parent who lost their child from eating something with traces of peanuts ornuts. I am sure these parents will tell you that the offending food was eaten by their child many times prior without any prior reactions.
Parents and even some allergist don’t realize that even though a child tested low for a peanut or tree nut allergy, that doesn’t mean they will never have a life threatening reaction. It is very likely that your child will first experience mild reactions before ever experiencing anaphylaxis.
Some children have mild reactions until they are teenagers or adults. Don’t live in fear, but
never forget to always be vigilant when any food isaround and always carry your Epipens.
As far as growingout of this allergy or finding a cure, we should never give up hope. There is a 20 percent chance of your child outgrowing this allergy and ifthey tested low and have only experienced mild reactions then their chances increase. As parents we try to do our best to protect our children. Mistakes happen and you can’t live in a bubble, but we do our best.
"A mother's love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity; it dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path."
