Everything you need to know about peanut allergy in children

Food allergy or intolerance, what are the differences?

First of all, it is important to differentiatefood intolerance and allergy, which can often be confused, as Ysabelle Levasseur reminds us: “Intolerance can cause discomfort and pain, but food allergy is an almost immediate reaction of the immune system after ingestion, contact or inhalation of the allergenic food. Peanut allergy is a serious phenomenon that requires urgent care ”. In France, peanut allergy affects 1% of the population and is the most common of allergies, along with egg allergy and fish allergy. It appears on average around the child’s 18 months, which often corresponds to the period when the introduction of potentially allergenic foods occurs.

What do we call peanuts?

The peanut is a tropical plant, mainly used for its seeds, peanuts, rich in protein. However, it is in these proteins that there are components that can trigger strong allergies in some people. The peanut belongs to the family of legumes, which also include, for example, soybeans and lentils.

Nuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, peanuts… What allergenic foods are prohibited for babies and children?

If your child has a peanut allergy, you will have to adapt very quickly. This is indeed very restrictive, because it concerns a large number of food products, as Ysabelle Levasseur underlines: “There are of course peanuts, dangerous for children, but also potentially other oilseeds, such as some nuts or hazelnuts. The other important element to take into account is peanut oil. This is often used for fried foods. So you have to be very careful. Aperitif cakes like the Curly for example, are also to be avoided ”. You can also find peanuts in pastries, cereal bars, or chocolate spreads. As for nuts, you will need to take stock with your allergist doctor. Indeed, walnuts, hazelnuts, or almonds, can cause an allergy. There are many allergenic foods containing peanut proteins therefore, but be aware that in France, products are strictly regulated : “It is written on the packaging if the product contains peanuts (even traces). Do not hesitate to take a good look at the ingredient lists before purchasing a product. “

Causes: what is peanut allergy due to?

As with egg allergy or fish allergy, peanut allergy results from a reaction of the child’s immune system to the proteins in the peanut. This type of allergy is often hereditary, recalls Ysabelle Levasseur: “Children whose parents are already allergic to peanuts are likely to be too. Babies and children who are atopic, that is, who are often prone to rashes such as eczema, are also more likely to have allergic reactions. “

Symptoms: How does a peanut allergy manifest in children?

There is a whole range of symptoms in food allergic reactions. Symptoms of allergy may be present on the skin during digestion, but more severe may also be respiratory : “There may be rashes like eczema or hives. A peanut food allergy can also have flu-like symptoms, such as a runny nose or sneezing. In terms of digestive manifestations, diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain can affect the child. The most serious manifestations are respiratory: the child may have swelling (angioedema) but also asthma and in the most dangerous cases, anaphylactic shock which can cause large drops in blood pressure, loss of consciousness, or even death. “

Food allergic reaction to peanuts, what to do?

While peanut allergy is less virulent in young children, do not take an allergic reaction lightly, recalls Ysabelle Levasseur: “Allergic reactions are very rapid. If the various symptoms appear, you should immediately contact a doctor or take your child to the hospital. If you have already been diagnosed with peanut allergy, you and your child will be equipped with a emergency kit, containing in particular an adrenaline syringe, to be injected immediately in the event of anaphylactic shock. It should never be forgotten that an allergic reaction is in all cases an emergency. “

Treatment: how to calm a peanut allergy?

In the case of a child allergic to peanuts, you will very quickly have to make an appointment with an allergist doctor. This one will pose very quickly, via analyzes (skin tests for example, also called Prick-tests) the diagnosis of an allergy. Unlike an allergy to egg or cow’s milk, peanut allergy does not go away with age. There are also no treatments or ways to alleviate his symptoms. This is why this allergy greatly influences the quality of life of the child.

Getting your child used to living with his allergy

Living with a peanut allergy is far from easy, especially for children! First, you will have to explain to him that he will not be able to consume certain foods, explains Ysabelle Levasseur: “The best method is to explain in a simple and clear way to your child why he cannot eat certain foods. On the other hand, there is no point in scaring him and make him see this allergy as a punishment. You can also get help from a health professional or a psychologist who can find the right words. ” Communication with relatives of the child is essential : “You have to let everyone know because the peanut allergy is very severe. A loved one who has eaten a peanut and kissed your child can trigger the allergy! During a birthday party, always contact the parents of the inviting child. At school, the head of the establishment must be notified in order to set up an Individualized Reception Plan (PAI), so that he is never required to consume the food that triggers the allergy: canteen, school trips …