Peanut Panic

Both my sons have peanut allergies one requires an epi-pen one does not. Their reactions have been immediate within minutes rash on their cheeks. Beneydrl has done the trick for me. The scary part about a three year old is that they can't explain what they are feeling when expiriencing a reaction. My son was 6years old when I tried to give him a bit again(most kids grow out of their food allergies) He told me his tounge was itchy... this is caused by swelling of the tounge which can spread through the throat. I have never tried to give peanuts again. I would definatly have an allergist test him first. And I would definatly not try peanuts if your child has any type of respitory problems asthma etc. I have known the combo to be fatal.

Hi P.,
my son, now 7 has an allergy to peanuts. not severe enough for an epie (sp.?) pen, but enough to put him in the e.r. for severe reactions.
his first reaction was with a peanut butter sandwich, around 18 months. it was very mild. hives on the face, and swelling of his eyes.
the reactions take anywhere from 10-30 mins depending on the severity. and the type of reaction is usually mild to severe hives starting on the face, then continuing down the mid section to the thighs.
i think that if she has an allergic reaction, it will be similar to the minor ones she had at a younger age. so you shouldnt worry too much because you already have an idea what to look for.
if you are still nervous, have some benadryl near by. that way you can treat it right away. we had to carry it around when my son was younger, he would get a break out even touching a peanut. oh so maybe if you dont want to give it to her just yet, get some peanuts still in the shells and let her play with them and see what happens. my son would break out in hives from playing with the wheels on his stroller that had been rolling over shells at an angel game.
good luck to you, and i feel your anxiety. my daughter is 6months old and i was already worried that she too may have the allergy like her brother.
oh p.s. dont be freaked out, you will never know unless you try. and the sooner you know, the sooner you will be able to educate her so she will know. (i took pictures and showed my son as soon as he was old enough to understand). preschools are great about the no peanut policy, but parties with the friends and family...cookies, brownies etc. he knows to ask before he eats anything that i dont give him

My daughter is 3 and severely allergic to peanuts and nuts. If you are that scared, I would have her tested to see if she was allergic first and then go from there. It is very serious allergy that could get bad quickly. Sometimes you will not have a bad reaction the first time, but, the second time could be worse. Go with your instincts, better safe than sorry.

Most doctors will encourage an allergy test if there is a consern, not home "trial and error." Don't take the chance especially if there is a family history, just ask you doc for a complete allergy test. Could you imagine if she was severely allergic & needed an epi shot???

P.,

I do think your being a little paranoid. :0) I mean how many people are in the world and we have all had peanut butter at one time or another. I say start small and see if she has any reaction. Go with the doctors suggestion of the PB in the applesauce, or give her a little bit on a couple of crackers or something....the wait a day or two and if you don't see hives (rash) or notice, swelling or her having problems breathing or being super itchy then its all good. As far as I can tell if she does not have reactions to the other "scary" foods (i.e.: dairy etc) then she should be just fine. Really if you think about it ,how did all the other Mothers in the world do it....covered wagon days and stuff! LOL! Breathe and stop worrying so much....shoot she’s only 3 and you’re getting a little neurotic, wait till she brings a boy home! LOL! Hope you don't take me as harsh.....I'm not trying to be. :0) I say go for it.......a little bit will get the ball rolling. :0)

Peace~Love~Light
V.

why not try it at her next check-up while you are at the dr. office. they can tell you what to watch for and if she has a reaction, you're already there.

Hi P.,

I agree with the other moms. Have your daughter tested first rather than testing through eating the food. Reactions vary from person to person but you don't want to find that out. My son has never had PB or other nuts for that matter and we were able to find out that he's severely allergic to them. His allergist had him do a blood test for accuracy and we found out he's allergic to peanuts, walnuts and brazil nuts. He has also been recommended epi pens for while he's at school. I would have your daughter tested first, then seeing where to go from there just to be safe.

I understand your concern with peanut allergies on the rise but there are a few things to ask before you worry yourself and your daughter out of peanut butter.
Is anyone else in your family allergic to peanuts?
Was she exposed to soy (formula, milk) or skin creams containing peanut oil when she was an infant?
If you answer yes to either of these, have her tested for the allergy but if you answered no, try it out. Chances are she'll be fine.
The largest precursor to severe peanut allergies is family history and consumption of soy formula, soy milk and skin creams containing peanut oil or soy.
(Soy is horrible on so many levels...but I won't get into that)
sources
http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/svc/alpha/e/eosinophil...
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/11...