How to Know if my Child is Allergic to Peanut Butter

How to Know if my Child is Allergic to Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is one of the most common culprits that cause serious allergic reaction in children. Even a small amount of peanut butter can trigger serious allergy symptoms in a toddler. Almost 20% of children suffer from peanut allergy, and their symptoms get better on their own as they age. Still, such an allergy can reoccur anytime later in their life. Kids with a family history of asthma, eczema, hay fever and food allergies are most prone to develop peanut butter allergy. Here at OneHowTo.com, we are going to discuss how to know if your child is allergic to peanut butter.

Symptoms of mild allergy to peanut butter

Mostly, allergic reaction to peanut butter will be visible within a few minutes. Some symptoms may be very mild, and learning how to recognize them is quite important. Some of the symptoms of mild allergy to peanut butter include skin itching, hives that may appear as huge welts or small spots, tingling or itching around or in the throat or mouth, nausea, and congested or runny nose. Although mild symptoms are not life threatening, they need to be taken seriously. OTC antihistamines can be used to treat such symptoms, but they cannot prevent further attacks. Follow up with a pediatrician if your child experiences even minor signs of allergic reactions.

Unpleasant symptoms of peanut butter allergy

Some symptoms of peanut butter allergy may be unpleasant and violent, but not very harmful for your child’s overall health. Some symptoms include swollen tongue or lips, diarrhea, wheezing, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps or swollen limbs or face. Sometimes, the child may experience breathlessness and difficulty breathing. Although these symptoms are harmless, they are distressing and may cause you and your child to panic.

Signs of serious allergy to peanut butter

Children with allergy to peanut butter have more risk of developing anaphylaxis, which is a possibly fatal condition, this is why it's important to know when to give peanut butter to your baby for the first time, future allergies. In addition to the above mentioned symptoms, anaphylaxis may be indicated by swollen throat, racing pulse, severe reduction in blood pressure, constricted airway, confusion, dizziness and passing out. If your child develops any of these symptoms after consuming peanut butter, then take him or her to seek emergency help from a physician or pediatrician. A child with severe reaction to peanut butter or anaphylaxis will require an adrenaline injection to treat the condition. Immediate medical attention will reduce the seriousness of symptoms and risk of any further health complications.

How to teach your child to live with peanut butter allergy

Now that you know your child has allergy to peanut butter, it is important to teach him or her how to live with this allergy. First of all, avoid any foods that consist of peanuts. Ask your child not to share food with other children at school, as their food may contain peanut butter and trigger an allergy. Give your child an allergy alert bracelet so that other people can take appropriate action if they encounter an attack. Always keep an antihistamine or epinephrine injection with him or her, so that your child remains prepared for an emergency.

This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.

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