How often do you hear about peanut allergies these days? It almost seems as if these allergies are more commonly discussed than ever before. Peanut allergies are among the scariest ones out there, especially because a reaction can be fatal. You begin to hear more about refraining from bringing peanuts on airplanes or to lunch for school. But what can you do about it if you have a child with a peanut allergy?

Why Are Peanut Allergies So Intense?

Peanuts are very different from other types of nuts, specifically because they are legumes. They contain chemicals that can linger inside your body much longer than those of nuts. Unfortunately, it is likely that some of the ways we live have actually started to influence the reaction these chemicals have in our bodies. Our immune systems are more vulnerable to certain types of afflictions because we are so good at keeping clean and taking medications.

What You Can Do For Your Child

If your child has been diagnosed with a peanut allergy, especially one that is severe, there are some important steps you need to take to ensure their safety and health from the time they wake up until they get to sleep. Here are some tips for the home:

- Children often outgrow their allergies to peanuts. It is important not to test this without speaking to a doctor first.

- Teach your child how to read packages for food items right away. It is important that your child knows how to read the words "May contain peanuts."

- It is not enough to simply avoid peanuts. Your child also needs to refrain from trying foods like mixed nuts, goobers, peanut butter, peanut flour, and nut pieces. Peanuts are also often found in baked goods, candy, egg rolls, and nougat filling.

- Certain types of cuisine are most commonly associated with peanuts being included in them. These include Asian and Mexican dishes. Ice cream shops and bakeries are also important to consider.

- If your child needs to have a shot of epinephrine with them at school, ensure that he or she knows how to use it. It is also important to talk to a teacher and school nurse about how to use the injection.

- Speak to your child's teacher about talking to the classroom about signs of anaphylactic shock as well as how to address it.

Protecting your child is a priority for you, and your child's school also has the best intentions. Unfortunately, the only way people know how to act if something does happen is to provide adequate instruction ahead of time. To learn more, contact an allergy clinic like Southern Allergy and Asthma PC.