How is Peanut Allergy Treated?
Currently, the best therapy for peanut allergy is to avoid eating peanuts. If peanuts are eaten and a reaction occurs, treatment of the acute reaction is much the same as for other food allergies. Various research studies are ongoing looking at ways to treat and potentially cure peanut allergy. While some of these studies show promising results, therapies at curing peanut allergy are probably years away from being routinely available.The most popular study on peanut allergy treatment involved an injectable anti-allergic antibody similar to Xolair (actually a slightly different drug). This medication, given by injection every 4 weeks, increased the amount of peanut that could be tolerated without a reaction in people with peanut allergy. The purpose of this study was to avoid severe, life-threatening reactions from accidentally eating peanuts, rather than for the purpose of people intentionally eating peanuts.
Other studies for treatment of peanut allergy include sublingual immunotherapy and injection immunotherapy using isolated and engineered peanut proteins. Traditional immunotherapy using peanut has been shown to be dangerous and not an effective treatment.
Learn more:
Sources:
Sicherer SH, Sampson HA. Peanut Allergy: Emerging Concepts and Approaches for an Apparent Epidemic. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2007; 120:491-503.
Carr WW. Clinical Pearls and Pitfalls: Peanut Allergy. Allergy and Asthma Proc. 2005; 26:145-7.
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.
