How Can A Peanut Allergy Be Treated?

Allergist Doing Skin Prick Allergy Test

Peanut allergies can be life-altering, causing severe reactions in some individuals and making everyday activities like dining out or attending social events a potential minefield. Understanding treatment options is crucial for patients and their families due to the severity of this allergy.

This article will provide an in-depth overview of how peanut allergies can be treated. We will explore various strategies from avoidance to desensitization.

Understanding Peanut Allergies

Peanut allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies peanuts as harmful. This then triggers an allergic reaction. Symptoms can include:

  • Hives
  • Anaphylaxis

Treatment Strategies for Peanut Allergies

There are different strategies for managing peanut allergies. They may involve a combination of the following:

Avoidance

Strict avoidance of peanuts and peanut-containing products is the most common strategy for managing a peanut allergy. This requires:

  • Careful reading of food labels
  • Asking about ingredients at restaurants

It’s also essential to educate friends, family, and caregivers about the allergy. Doing so, they can help prevent accidental exposure.

Medications

There is no cure for peanut allergies. However, medications can help manage symptoms. Antihistamines can alleviate mild to moderate symptoms. On the other hand, injectable epinephrine (EpiPen) is used for severe reactions. It’s crucial for people with peanut allergies to carry an EpiPen at all times in case of an accidental exposure.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy, or allergy shots, has shown promise as a treatment for peanut allergies. This approach involves gradually exposing the body to small amounts of peanut protein. The goal is to build up tolerance over time. This treatment should only be administered under an experienced allergy doctor’s supervision due to the risk of severe allergic reaction.

Oral Immunotherapy (OIT)

Oral immunotherapy is a newer form of treatment where patients ingest small amounts of peanut protein. Your doctor will gradually increase the dose over time. Recent studies have shown that OIT can help reduce the severity of allergic reactions in some people. However, this treatment has risks. It should only be undertaken under medical supervision of an experienced allergy doctor.

When to Visit a Doctor for a Peanut Allergy

Recognizing when to seek medical attention is a crucial part of managing a peanut allergy. Here are some situations that warrant a visit to the doctor.

Suspected Allergic Reaction

Do you suspect that you or your child may have a peanut allergy? If so, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider as soon as possible instead of waiting for symptoms to get worse. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include:

  • Hives
  • Redness or swelling
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Difficulty breathing
  • A drop in blood pressure

A visit to the doctor is absolutely necessary if these symptoms occur after consuming peanuts or peanut-containing food.

Diagnosis Confirmation

Even if the symptoms strongly suggest a peanut allergy, it is crucial to get a formal diagnosis from a healthcare provider. The doctor will likely perform a skin prick test or a blood test to confirm the allergy.

Monitoring Allergy Progression

Allergies can evolve over time. Regular check-ups with your allergist can help monitor any changes in your or your child’s allergy. For example, some children may outgrow their peanut allergy. Others may see an increase in the severity of their reactions.

Exploring Treatment Options

If you’ve been relying on avoidance and emergency medication to manage your peanut allergy, it might be worth discussing other treatment options with your doctor.

Treatments like immunotherapy and oral immunotherapy are lifechanging for certain patients. They may potentiallyreduce the severity of your allergic reactions.

Emergency Situations

Immediate medical attention is necessary in the case of severe allergic reactions. Signs of a severe reaction (anaphylaxis) include:

In such cases, administer injectable epinephrine immediately. Call 911 or your local emergency number, as well. Once you are no longer in danger or experiencing severe symptoms, make an appointment with a doctor to discuss a treatment and management plan.

Top Peanut Allergy Doctor Near You in Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Naperville, & Plainfield, IL

Peanut allergies can pose significant challenges, but they can be managed effectively with the right treatment plan. Avoidance and medication remain the mainstay of treatment, but there are new therapies, such as immunotherapy and OIT. They offer hope for improved management of allergies. People with peanut allergies should discuss these options with their healthcare provider.

Are you in search of the top peanut allergy doctor near you in Illinois? If so, you can trust the board-certified allergy and immunology physicians practicing at Oak Brook Allergists. Our highly skilled and trained doctors will help you manage your peanut allergy. You may call our helpful staff today at (630) 574-0460 if you have questions or concerns. You can use our secure online appointment request form, as well, if you want to book a visit to one of our convenient locations.

We look forward to helping you take charge of your peanut allergy!