Allergists Can Provide Action Plan to Help Acute Peanut Allergy Sufferers

Living with an acute peanut allergy is difficult, scary and potentially life-threatening, but that doesn’t mean schools and airlines should totally eliminate peanuts from their surroundings, according to Sami Bahna, MD, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). People with severe peanut allergies can work with their allergist to develop an action plan to prevent or manage attacks. “Highly allergic people may react after ingesting minute hidden quantities of peanuts or even after touching or smelling peanuts. These patients often live in fear they will come in contact with peanuts,” said Dr. Bahna. “There are ways to make life livable and less frightening, but there is no guarantee that specific allergens can be removed entirely from an environment.” Food allergies are serious and sources of the allergen can be hidden. Peanuts can easily be inadvertently eaten, especially outside of the home. Packaged products may contain peanut allergens, cooks can accidentally share utensils or oils, and patrons can inhale vapors from tableside cooking. . read more.