Peanut Allergies

[MissCrabette]

Maybe I'm way off, but I'm just throwing this out there. I don't have kids, and I haven't been one in a really long time, but don't kids chew their nails and/or pens and pencils?

[peggyfromwastate]

Kids constantly stick things in their mouths. But the amount of peanut that could get from their saliva into either the air (if she's reactive to peanut dust in the air) or into her mouth (if it takes ingestion or direct contact to trigger her reaction) would be so minimal. I can't see the point of rinsing the mouth out.

[Pollyanna]

As always, I have learned so much here. Thanks for the info. Peggy!! I am wondering, if a person is reactive to peanut dust in the air are they always on guard with their Epi-pen? Seems like they could have an issue almost anywhere.

[peggyfromwastate]

Anyone with a peanut allergy (or any other allergy where anaphylaxis is likely if they are exposed to a sufficient amount of whatever the trigger is) should carry an epi. I always have one in my purse and Steven has one in a fanny pack he has to take everywhere he goes (except school- the nurse and the playground aides have his epipen).

[peggyfromwastate]

And that's why I doubt this kid is that allergic. If she were sensitive to that extreme she would basically need to stay in a bubble.

And interestingly our allergist said that foods cooked in peanut oil do not actually have any peanut content, so not to worry about peanut oil.

Again, I need to read up more on why that is and if it's only for foods cooked in peanut oil or the oil itself.

But rapunzel, I totally agree with you.

[Deebs]

I was talking to DD's principal about allergies (DD was sent home yesterday because her eyes were so watery, she couldn't see and couldn't participate in class). The principal said that three or four years ago, they had over 40 kids (out of ~500) carrying Epi pens. Now it's down to around 15. I know that there is a huge test to have kids allergy tested in this area, so kids who haven't necessarily had a reaction are labeled as allergic. And, if they're found allergic to the "wrong" thing, they end up carrying an Epi pen. My pediatrician and I have talked about this many times because I'm always concerned that people will think DD's allergies are more severe than they are because she tends to get rashes and look very allergic. It makes him crazy because his patients who have had severe reactions get lumped in with everyone else, and he's afraid that many precautions will be blown off (such as keeping schools peanut-free). I'm wondering if, with the downturn of the economy, less elective testing is being done. Just thought it was an interesting trend.

[peggyfromwastate]

That's interesting. Its not a trend at our school. Our allergist prescribes epipens for people with anaphylactic reactions or a positive test for only certain allergens. Not Hayfever for instance... Idk. Allergy skin tests (scratch tests) are really expensive.

[DCJenn]

My mother (the bee-keeper) has been having reactions to bee stings that are getting worse and worse. I made her go to her doctor and get an Epi-pen and made sure both she and my dad know how to use it.

J.

[v-girl]

I think if my child were that allergic I would definitely keep them home and teach them myself. Yes, I realize I already do that, but not because of allergies.