Peanut Allergy on Airplanes
Many people are concerned about experiencing a medical emergency while traveling on an airplane. After all, there is no way to seek medical care while at 30,000 feet, and a person has little to no control over their immediate surroundings while on an airplane. Unless a person is lucky enough to be traveling on an airplane with a physician or medical professional on board, a medical emergency could result in tragedy.People with food allergies often feel helpless in situations where they are not in total control of their meals, and this is even more so the case on airplanes due to the lack of availability of medical care. Since peanuts are a common snack food on airplanes, people with peanut allergy have to be particularly careful during air travel. Unfortunately, it is relatively common for people with peanut allergy to have allergic reactions on airplanes as a result of contact with peanuts.
A recent study showed that nearly one in 10 people with peanut, tree nut or seed allergies experienced an allergic reaction while traveling on an airplane. Surprisingly, most of these reactions occurred as a result on inhaling airborne particles from peanuts. This occurred after multiple bags of peanuts were opened near a person with peanut allergy. Airborne peanut particles seem to be common on airplanes, since peanut proteins have been found in the ventilation filters of commercial airplanes.
Since commercial airlines may not have emergency medical equipment on board, and because there may not be a medical professional traveling as a fellow passenger, people with peanut allergy need to be prepared. Calling various airline companies to see if peanuts are served on the planned flight is a good idea, but never a guarantee that peanuts won’t be present on the airplane. Carrying an Epi-Pen, as well as an antihistamine, is the best way to be prepared for an allergic emergency. For a long flight, a person with food allergies should consider bringing their own food on the airplane, since airplane food could contain hidden ingredients and may not be labeled as containing common food allergens.
Learn more about peanut allergy.
Source:
Comstock SS, et al. Allergic Reactions to Peanuts, Tree Nuts, and Seeds Aboard Commercial Airlines . Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2008; 101:51-56.
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this site is for educational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for personal care by a licensed physician. Please see your physician for diagnosis and treatment of any concerning symptoms or medical condition.
