PEANUT ALLERGY

1. Peanut protein is a heat stable allergen. Both raw and roasted peanuts can cause an allergic response. Also, peanut butter and peanut oil may have traces of protein and it too, should be avoided.
2. An allergy to peanuts is outgrown in only 20% of individuals. Reactions can still occur after long periods of avoidance.
3. Even very small amounts of peanut allergen can cause hives or other symptoms in a very sensitive person. Carefully read all food labels for traces of peanuts prior to ingestion.
4. Peanuts can cause a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This can be fatal and can occur even if prior reactions were non-fatal or if there had been a long period of avoidance. Anaphylactic reactions require immediate treatment, as described below.
5. If your doctor feels that your child is at risk for anaphylaxis, an Epipen will be prescribed. Carry it with you at all times. Use it as directed as soon as any of the following symptoms arise.
   • Diffuse Itching
   • Facial or lip swelling
   • Tongue or Throat swelling
   • Hives
   • Difficulty Breathing
   • Dizziness

   Once the Epipen has been administered, seek medical care IMMEDIATELY! (Call 911) The Epipen will slow the reaction down so that you can reach emergency care.

6. Protein contamination in foods can cause a reaction:
   • Picking peanuts out of a food may not make that food safe to eat.
   • Cooking utensils in restaurants or bakeries may become “contaminated” with peanuts if they are used to prepare a recipe with peanuts and are not sufficiently cleaned between uses. Therefore, a "peanut free" menu item may still not be safe.
7. 30% of the time people who are allergic to peanuts have allergies to tree nuts such as walnuts, pecans, almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, filberts, pistachios, pinenuts, and hickory nuts. Again, if your child eats these without reaction he or she is probably not allergic to them.
8. Peanuts are in the legume family. Reports of cross reactivity to other legumes, such as soybeans, peas, lentils and beans are rare. If your child eats these foods without reaction, he or she is probably not allergic to other legumes.
9. If your child is at risk for anaphylaxis, a Medic Alert bracelet should be worn by your child.

Find more information at the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network site at www.foodallergy.org