Predicting peanut allergy reactions - Brief Article

Pediatrics for Parents, Sept, 2001

Once a child has an allergic reaction to peanuts, she will, if exposed to peanuts again, almost certainly have additional reactions. A recent study has found that it's difficult to predict the severity of subsequent reactions.

A retrospective study of 184 young people 4 to 20 years old, found that the severity of a previous reaction did not predict how severe the next reaction would be. Two factors that increased the risk of a severe reaction are the presence of asthma and a high level of antigens against peanuts.

Forty-six percent of second reactions were more severe than the first, 20% were less severe, and the rest were about the same.

The number of body systems involved with a reaction generally increased with each subsequent episode. About one-third of all first reactions involved more than one body system, increasing to half of second reactions and 60% of third reactions. The skin was the most common body system affected in 61% of initial reactions, but in only 20% of third reactions. There were respiratory symptoms in 30% of first reactions, 46% of second reactions, and 64% of third reactions.

Children with a peanut allergy must carry an Epi-Pen at all times. It can be life saving. Make sure it isn't past its expiration date.

Family Practice News, 7/15/01.