The Problem of Peanut Allergy

It is a real alarm to know that Peanut allergy is growing. The problem must be existing all over the world but research statistic that is available from America indicates that nearly 1.1% of the population is already affected from the disease.

Peanuts are cheap and contain protein. It is also available as butter. It finds it way in many food items as an ingredient.  Because of it’s over consumption through different food, it has become a common food for allergy.

Seriousness of peanut allergy problem has led to a situation where foods containing traces or more of peanut are not mentioned in food packages.

One allergic reaction is Anaphylactic shock which can become fatal in just couple of minutes. Epinephrine must be taken at the very onset. Symptoms are many that includes - apphension, hives , flushing, swollen eyes/mouth/tongue, tightness of chest or throat, itching , vomiting, running nose, diarrhea , stomach pain , nausea, chills , sudden fatigue , dizziness , palpitation , and ultimately loss of consciousness’ and death. So, allergy problem under any circumstances should not be taken lightly or ignored.

Then why this peanut problem is growing unabated? Many food packets containing peanut are not showing it on the packet.   Most of customers taking food packets from restaurant take outs or fast food outlets, never question about the contents t.  Sharing utensils of a peanut allergic patient or even testing a bit from his plate may land one in deadly situation

Peanut patients in early symptom stage try to hide and do not tell anybody Thereby, causing serious harm to oneself and others close by. It is nothing unlikely; hardly anybody wears the medical bracelet that warns of a peanut allergy.

Treatment is lacking on many counts. Many patients do not carry epinephrine (sold as Epi-Pen å, Ana-Kit å ) although they should carry the same always and that too, not one but two since the second one is sometime required. Prompt shipment to hospital is another failure experienced by these patients.