The Peanut Allergy Epidemic
Saturday February 23, 2008
Peanut allergy is becoming more common, with the number of people suffering from this form of food allergy doubling over the past 20 years. Approximately 1% of children suffer from peanut allergy, and it is the most common type of food allergy affecting adults. Only a small fraction of people actually outgrow peanut allergy.
Why is peanut allergy becoming so common? Can people with peanut allergy eat other nuts or legumes? How can you avoid eating peanuts? Find out the answers to these questions and more:
Comments
I’m not allergic to peanuts or legumes, but I’ve noticed that beans, peas, peanuts and some other foods seem to trigger reactions that I think may be due to their high nickel content. I’m very allergic to nickel on contact, and it seems that I am reacting to the foods that are high in it, too.
Antihistamines
For some people with peanut allergy, antihistamines can be taken after exposure and allergic reaction to peanuts, to counter its full onset. Antihistamines are available over-the-counter without a prescription and can relieve some of the discomfort associated with the symptoms of peanut allergy.
Note: Unlike people who are intolerant to lactose and who can take a lactose aide, antihistamines should never be taken in this manner, i.e. prior to deliberately ingesting peanut protein.